KEY POINTS:
Catholic bishops have issued a checklist to guide their flock in the election, setting out the Church's stance on abortion, same-sex parenting, medical research on embryos, and euthanasia.
But the statement signed by the New Zealand bishops says the Church is apolitical and "does not tell people how
to vote, nor does it endorse any political party".
The Church has consistently claimed it is not party political, but this is not the first time it has used an election to promote its moral views, especially on conscience-vote topics.
It campaigned strongly against the Civil Union Bill, including urging its members to remember which way their MPs voted when casting their own votes in 2005.
Yesterday's statement urged Catholics to vote for the "common good" rather than out of self-interest - echoing a statement by the late Pope John Paul II that citizens had the duty to use their votes in this way.
The bishops' statement sets out the Church's opposition to abortion, research on embryos, euthanasia and same-sex couples raising children.
On same-sex couples, it says the Church believes that children need the attention of both a mother and father, because each contributes differently to their development.
It suggests voters check which "political views on same-sex couples conflict with this wisdom".
The statement also underlines the need to balance quality of life and family time against "the demands of unrestrained consumerism".
It calls for compassion in policies on refugees and international aid and for a softer approach to prisons.
"A divisive debate is currently taking place between those seeking harsher and longer penalties for prisoners, and those seeking more opportunities for reconciliation and rehabilitation."
It also suggests asking candidates how they would vote on euthanasia and other conscience issues. And it advises against an "uncritical affiliation to a party, or some single issue or a personality cult".
However, it concedes that supporters might want to vote for a smaller party - saying strategic voting with a mind to potential coalition deals may be considered "to put into Parliament people of personal integrity and values".
The statement also canvasses broader policy areas, including how employment laws affect family life and how parties will address poverty.
On global warming, it advises voters to ask how parties will deal with people in the Pacific Islands who risk being displaced by rising sea levels.
