POLITICAL FORCE: Jedi Craig Thomas hopes his policies of light sabre-based progress and light-speed infrastructure will help him win the only council seat in the Waitemata and Gulf ward.

Long ago in a suburb not that far away Jedi fan Craig Thomas' interest in local body politics was born.

After years observing the dark side of council politics the Eden Terrace resident is standing for election to the new supercity council.

The 27-year-old hopes to bring a new approach to Auckland governance – providing the force is with him.

"I believe the region has lost its way," the self-proclaimed Jedi knight says.

"It's a cold, impersonal and basically boring place to live. Jedi believe that there is one force that binds us all. I want to bring this philosophy to Auckland."

Mr Thomas is a council candidate for the Waitemata and Gulf ward. He is also vying for a place on the Waitemata Local Board.

He is encouraging voters to strike back against dull, traditional candidates and support his policies. These include light sabre-based progress, the formation of a Rebel Alliance against the political clone army and light-speed local infrastructure.

The life-long Star Wars fan says he's had a great response because he brings something different to the elections.

"I think people are disillusioned with the generic political square dance we are seeing with interchangeable clones who have identical policies that no one can decipher.

"It's about giving people something a bit different to vote for. Hopefully it gets them a bit more involved."

Mr Thomas is taking the election seriously, despite the light-hearted side to his campaign.

He's delivering 10,000 pamphlets into letterboxes with the help of supporters and is also out and about in areas like the central city and Waiheke Island.

Campaign videos have been posted on YouTube and he's also got a Facebook fan page.

Quirky campaigns have served candidates well before.

Paula Gillon was elected to the North Shore City Council after labelling herself the naked politician and posing provocatively on billboards in 2001.

Fellow Waitemata and Gulf candidate Alex Swney is not surprised to see a colourful candidate popping up in the race.

"I would expect nothing less in a ward like this. It's the home of the creative classes.

"Auckland voters only turn out at about 40 percent. Anything that adds some colour has got to be encouraged."

Mr Swney says unconventional candidates can take votes from top contenders.

"He will get some, even if they're just protest votes. It could be telling."