Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard says he's open-minded about the possible return of the Hero Parade to the city in 2009. “I'm all for fun and celebration and I really enjoy going to The Big Gay Out,” he says. “I might be a bit old fashioned but blatant flaunting of sexuality - no matter what part of the community it comes from - makes me feel a little uncomfortable. “But if there is agreement from the gay community that they want a Hero Parade then it will go to full Council and will be discussed and considered with an open mind.” The Mayor spoke out strongly last August against the ‘Boob on Bikes' parade featuring topless women on Queen Street. "I think such a parade down Queen St is totally inappropriate because it's shamelessly promoting a pornography trade fair," Hubbard told the NZ Herald. “It's particularly degrading to women." He said at the time he would try to have such street events banned through bylaw changes. The Auckland Mayoral elections are held later this year, and Hubbard tells GayNZ.com he's ‘absolutely' standing again for another three years running the city. ”Auckland is on its way to becoming a truly international, vibrant and tolerant city. But we still have a way to go. And I have unfinished business. Watch this space,” he declares. Ref: GayNZ.com, New Zealand Herald (m)