Editorial: This year's other big event

Today marks three months until the New Zealand general election.

And this time it'll be a little bit different. Not only will there be a referendum on MMP, but this time a good portion of the campaign period will be dominated by another major event - the Rugby World Cup.

From the moment the All Blacks lift the Webb Ellis Cup late on the night of October 23 there will be less than five weeks before polling day.

The rugby has to be a major distraction for voters and campaigning political parties (not that we're complaining).

But we'll be focused throughout the next three months on giving you the information you need to make your decisions on election day.

We will be speaking with candidates, hearing your issues and asking the questions you want answered. During the campaign period, no opinion columns or letters to the editor will be accepted from candidates - and 'electioneering' letters or texts from supporters will not be accepted.

However, your letters on issues for voters will be welcome and we'd love to receive your election news tips and story ideas at news@dailypost.co.nz.

This will be a fascinating election, with the referendum, the emergence of the Mana Party and its rivalry with the Maori Party, the resurfacing of Don Brash and John Banks in the Act Party, the enigma that is Winston Peters and NZ First ... not to mention the hotbed issues like taxation and asset sales.

Everyone of voting age gets to have their say on November 26, but until then we're here to help you make an informed choice.

Oh, and we'll be telling you about the rugby too.