Candidates' views online

Rotorua voters looking to find out more about their district council candidates' views can read them on a new online document.

The Rotorua Chamber of Commerce has produced a 40-page document containing responses from 27 of the 31 council candidates in this year's election.

Chamber chief executive Roger Gordon said he was having difficulty finding out what the candidates' views were on a number of business-related issues so decided to put a series of questions to them. "We felt it necessary to see how each of them individually approached some of these important issues.

"It's been a worthwhile exercise, we have not edited anything they said ... It does give a good indication as to how they individually stand on these issues and how they would approach them if elected."

Candidates were asked the following questions.

What is your position on the [Rotorua] Eastern Arterial? What is your suggested way forward with this project?

What is your opinion on how we can bring back life to inner city Rotorua, the CBD?

What suggestions would you make to better manage the overall debt level of Rotorua District Council?

What policies do you believe Rotorua District Council should consider to encourage growth in business and employment in the Rotorua region?

What do you consider is the number one issue that will face the new council during the next term of office? What is your position on that issue?

What added value and contribution do you consider you would make to the council if elected?

Everyone responded except for Debs Rahurahu, Carolyn Santiago, Tania Tapsell and Ratu Tibble.

To access the responses visit www.rotchamber.co.nz and click on the link.