Labour MP and Auckland mayoralty candidate Phil Goff has made his first announcement to entice voters for his run at the city's top job.

He announced this afternoon he'll make it his mission to bring light rail to the city should he become mayor.

The Productivity Commission estimates the cost to New Zealand of Auckland's congestion is $1.5 billion a year, and rising.

Goff said people have been waiting decades for a decent transport system and we've been pouring money down the drain.

He's looking at a range of options to pay for it and in an unusual turn for a Labour member, has proposed private-public partnerships.

He believes it's to bigger project to be paid through rates but a private partnership, investment deal or toll roads could work.

Wynyard Quarter, up Queen Street, Symonds Street and down Dominion Road would be a priority loop.

The race for the Auckland mayoralty will begin today at a "meet the candidates" outing organised by the Ellerslie Residents Association - the first political debate for Victoria Crone, headhunted by top National Party figures and who entered the contest before Christmas.

Goff and the 42-year-old businesswoman are considered the frontrunners to replace Len Brown, who announced last November that he would not be seeking a third term