Auckland mayoral race: Phil Goff vs John Tamihere MYOB debate in Herald newsroom

Auckland mayoral candidates Phil Goff, left and John Tamihere in the first NZME newsroom debate.

The final Mayoral candidate debate is brought to you by MYOB.

As a fiery Auckland mayoral campaign draws to a close leading candidates Phil Goff and John Tamihere will face-off one last time in Herald newsroom this morning for the MYOB business debate.

Watch the debate here from 9am on Monday.

With business confidence at its lowest levels since the GFC, does either candidate have the policies to get things back on track?

In the last Mood of the Boardroom survey, business leaders gave incumbent Goff a decidedly average grade of 4.88/10.

But despite this low score, when asked who has the best attributes to be Auckland's mayor between Goff and mayoral hopeful John Tamihere, 73 per cent still picked Goff.

What does business want?

The Mood of the Boardroom highlighted support for improving public transport,
public-private partnerships and city bonds to fund large infrastructure projects, bringing Auckland Council spending under control and shifting Auckland's Port.

The Employers and Manufacturing Association has also put a big emphasis on the need to improve transport infrastructure by taking a more innovative approach to funding - and working with business.

It certainly has been a battle contrasting styles with Tamihere running on a platform of bold ideas such as the double-decker plans for the Harbour Bridge.

That's opened him up to accusations that his policies are unrealistic.

Goff has focused on the practical realities of getting things done and has emphasised skills in building consensus.

But does he lack the vision that business wants to see for Auckland's future?

Head to nzherald.co.nz at 9am for the live debate hosted by NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann. On the NZ Herald Facebook page, we'll be taking your questions for the candidates in real time.