Leo Molloy has quit the race to become Auckland's next mayor.

The Herald can reveal he is expected to announce his withdrawal today - on the same day a new poll had him dropping to third.

Nominations for the election close at midday today.

Businessman Wayne Brown has shot into second place behind Efeso Collins, whose support has fallen away, according to the latest Ratepayers' Alliance-Curia poll out today.

Brown has leapfrogged restaurateur Molloy as the leading contender to challenge Collins, who has been endorsed by the Labour and Green parties, and continues to hold a small lead to win the prized job of leading the Super City.

Collins has 22.3 per cent support among committed voters in the poll of 500 Aucklanders - a five-point drop from last month's poll and way short of the 50 per cent support Labour-endorsed mayors Len Brown and Phil Goff secured in each of their two mayoral wins.

Trailing Collins is Brown on 18.6 per cent support, Molloy on 14.5 per cent, Beck on 12.5 per cent and Lord on 7.2 per cent.

 

Efeso Collins is still the frontrunner but his support has fallen. Photo / Dean Purcell

The August poll included more candidates and had lawyer and New Conservative co-leader Ted Johnston on 6.4 per cent, Hibiscus and Bays Local Board chairman Gary Brown on 6.2 per cent, John Lehmann on 4 per cent and animal rights campaigner Michael Morris on 3.1 per cent.

Brown's rise in the poll comes after

Molloy's expletive-ridden appearance on Guy Williams' satirical show last month

and loss of two key figures from his campaign team - his chair June McCabe and director of communications Kate Gourdie.

• Leo Molloy speaks after dropping out of Auckland mayoralty race

Brown called out Molloy's behaviour on the show, saying his foul-mouthed rants suggested he isn't a suitable person to hold the dignified office of Mayor of Auckland.

Auckland Ratepayers' Association spokesman Josh Van Veen said the poll confirmed for the third month in a row, most Aucklanders do not want a Labour-endorsed mayor.

"Collins still hasn't galvanised the left and is struggling to crack 25 per cent. Wayne Brown is now the leading anti-establishment candidate, but the lead he has over Molloy is within the margin of error, so he's still a contender.

Auckland Mayoral Candidates Wayne Brown, Viv Beck , Leo Molloy, Efeso Collins, Craig Lord, Gary Brown and Ted Johnston. Photo / Greg Bowker

"Viv Beck(endorsed by National's de facto local government arm Communities & Residents) is really struggling to look viable. An eleventh-hour intervention by National Party power brokers would change the race dramatically. It's time they stepped up," Van Veen said.

Brown, who is standing on a platform to "Fix Auckland" and begun cranking up his advertising campaign, said the trend is clear.

"As we get closer to the election and voters are looking more closely at the issues and the candidates' track records, my support is increasing.

"Aucklanders are understandably worried about other candidates' promises for big spend-ups of ratepayer money, and realise I am the only candidate who will get more done for less," said Brown.

C & R candidate Viv Beck is struggling to look viable, says the Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance. Photo / Greg Bowker

Collins said it is obviously a tight race and taking nothing for granted "but this result also reflects that voters are keen for candidates to debate on the issues and not attack each other".

"That's why I will continue to be focused on sharing our vision for a just and sustainable Auckland over the coming weeks," he said.

The Herald is seeking comment from Molloy.

Beck played down her poor poll numbers, saying the polls are bouncing around and cannot be taken too seriously.

"Nominations close today and election signs have just gone up - my campaign starts now," said Beck, who announced her mayoral bid nearly five months ago in March.

"I am ramping up and Aucklanders can expect to see more policy releases in the coming weeks. I am the only true centre-right candidate that will stand up for Auckland and ensure we do not have another Labour controlled Mayor.

"Efeso Collins should be most worried, he is the only endorsed candidate on the left and can't crack 25 per cent," she said.

Leo Molloy has dropped to third place in the latest poll. Photo / Greg Bowker

Lord said the size of the poll and number of undecided voters was disappointing and he is comfortable with his campaign and the support he is getting in the community.

The poll was conducted between August 3-11 and found 45 per cent did not know who they would support. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 per cent. Just one in three Aucklanders voted at the Auckland Council elections in 2019.

The elections are set down for October 8. Voting papers will be sent out to people on the electoral roll between September 16-21.

Voting opens on September 16 and votes have to be cast by noon on October 8. The initial results will be announced shortly afterwards and final results about a week to 10 days later.

Nominations for the mayoralty, council and 21 Local Boards close today at noon.