Housing is top of the priority list for the man hoping to replace Phil Goff as MP for Mt Roskill.

Michael Wood has today announced he'll seek the Labour Party nomination for the electorate.

A by-election is expected in Mt Roskill, as Phil Goff's hotly tipped to be the Super City's next mayor.

Mr Wood says if he wins the nomination, he'll be campaigning on the idea that Mt Roskill is a place where people can get their start.

He says the biggest issue he hears about is the lack of affordable housing in the area.

He says it tears away at the stability and connectedness of the community, and if it's not resolved there's going to be an even bigger problem.