Contenders in the Auckland mayoral race are lining up. 

Phil Goff is standing down as Mayor of Auckland, a post he's held since 2016. 

Councillor Efeso Collins and HeadQuarters bar owner Leo Molloy have put their hands up for the job, and Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck is expected to as well. 

Massey University Associate Professor Grant Duncan told Kate Hawkesby Collins is a strong contender because Aucklanders tend to support left wing candidates, but he says Beck has a chance. 

“But of course, it’s completely open now, we don't have an obvious front runner this time.” 

Grant Duncan doesn't rate Molloy's chances very highly, but says he'll make the race interesting. 

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