Your chance to meet local election candidates

Local candidates at a meet the candidates event. Photo/File

As voting day approaches, Rotorua residents will not be short on opportunities to meet their local candidates.

Next week the candidates will get together for at least four public meetings - each likely to have a different flavour.

At Sport Bay of Plenty's Meet the Candidates event on Wednesday, candidates from National, Labour, NZ First, Act, The Opportunities Party, Maori Party and Green Party will answer questions around sport, recreation and health.

Sport Bay of Plenty chief executive Heidi Litchwark said this was an opportunity for the public to put their local candidates to the test, to find out about their plans for our region.

"It's not often you get a forum such as this to focus on specific political policies so this is a prime opportunity - not just for those involved in sport, but for anyone who has questions around recreational activities and health.

"That includes everything from tackling childhood obesity and supporting the fundamental development of our children, to the cost to participate in sport and recreation, to the future of our outdoor recreation spaces and development of more active transport.

"It's more than just simply 'sport' and 'recreation', and because of this we believe there are aspects that concern all Bay of Plenty residents. We're expecting a robust discussion."

Earlier that day, candidates will attend a breakfast debate hosted by the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce.

Environmental issues are a key concern for many Kiwis this election year - and locals will have the chance to grill local candidates on these at the Green Drinks event on Tuesday, while issues affecting women and the wider community will be the topic of discussion at the National Council of Women of New Zealand's election special event on Thursday.

Meet the candidates events

Green Drinks - Election Candidates Forum
When: Tuesday September 5, 5.30pm.
Where: Blue Baths.
Focus: Environmental issues.
Cost: Gold coin.

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce Election Candidates Debate
When: Wednesday September 6, 7.30am to 9am.
Where: Rydges Hotel.
Cost: $30. Tickets at https://www.rotoruachamber.co.nz/events-training/events/election-candidates-debate-2017/.

Sport BOP Meet the Candidates event
When: Wednesday September 6, 5pm - 6.30pm.
Where: Toi Ohomai, Rotorua Campus, I Block.
Focus: Sport, recreation and health.
Cost: Free but must RSVP www.sportbop.co.nz/meet-the-candidates-registration/ by Wednesday.

National Council of Women of New Zealand in association with Quota - Meet the Rotorua electorate candidates
When: Thursday September 7, 5.30pm.
Where: St Luke's Church.
Focus: Issues affecting women and community.
Cost: Free.