Auckland's mayor has today met with community and key stakeholders over the port extension plans.

Len Brown has met with Sir Stephen Tindall, the Auckland Yachting and Boating Association, the Urban Auckland lobby group and representatives from the port.

Urban Auckland has said it's looking at taking legal action over the plans.

Mr Brown says the first step to resolving the debate is getting all the relevant parties around the same table.

He says it's critical they work together to strike a balance that is in the best interests of Auckland.

In addition, the mayor has directed the council to begin work on a major study of the economic, environmental and social impacts of the various options for the port.

Originally intended to start at the end of the Unitary Plan process mid-2016, first steps are now underway for the study.