Mr Robertson confirmed the decision to the New Zealand Herald late this afternoon.
He said he decided to run, "because I think I can unify our party, I represent a new generation of leadership, and because I believe I can lead us to victory in 2014".
Wellington Central MP Mr Robertson's announcement comes as little surprise given expectations the Labour leadership race would come down to him and New Lynn MP David Cunliffe.
Mr Cunliffe did respond to the Herald's messages today but his wife said he was still making his mind up. He, and any other contender, have until 10pm tomorrow to confirm their bid.
A poll by TVNZ's Q+A programme this morning had Mr Cunliffe as the early favourite.
The telephone poll of 517 people showed he had 29 per cent support from voters across the political spectrum followed by Jacinda Ardern on 15 per cent, Shane Jones at 11 per cent, Mr Robertson on 10 per cent, and Andrew Little on 9 per cent.
Both Ms Ardern and Mr Little have ruled themselves out of the leadership race, while Mr Jones is yet to declare either way.
Mr Robertson this afternoon said he wasn't concerned by those numbers.
"It's early days and this is one of those occasions when you can say there's only one poll that matters, it's a poll of MPs members of the party and affiliated unions and that's the poll I'm focused on."
The leadership contest will be decided over the next three weeks. Voting will take place by post and at a series of meetings beginning next Saturday with the final result expected on September 15.
Mr Robertson did not expect the fact he is gay would affect his chances during the selection process or at during next year's election campaign if he is selected.
"I think New Zealanders are more concerned about whether they've got a job, can they put food on the table, have their kids got a good school to go to than they are about my private life."
- Adam Bennett of the New Zealand Herald
