Two meet the candidates meetings set for this week

There are two meet the mayoral candidates being held in Rotorua this week.

Rotorua residents wondering who they will vote for as mayor of the district in October's elections have the choice of two meet the mayoral candidates events this week.

Tomorrow, from 1.30pm at the Bainbridge Centre on Old Taupo Rd, Grey Power Rotorua is holding its meet the candidates event.

Grey Power president Russell Hallam said each candidate would get three minutes to introduce themselves and their policies before three questions would be put to each of them by members.

He said the event was open to all members of the public with tea, coffee and biscuits being served at the end of the event giving people the chance to mix and mingle with the candidates.

On Tuesday, the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Rotorua Daily Post, will hold its mayoral debate at the Novotel hotel from midday.

Those attending must register and pay for the event by either visiting www.rotchamber.co.nz, or calling (07) 346 3657.

The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members and includes lunch.

Chamber chief executive Darrin Walsh said about 50 people had so far registered, "but that's not too bad because our members are always notoriously late in registering".

"We are giving each candidate an initial five minutes to speak and will be very firm on those time frames.

"They will then be asked questions we have prepared before the event and each candidate will get to answer those if they like.

"If there's time, we will open up the floor for more questions."

Mr Walsh said The Hits DJ Paul Hickey will MC the event making sure candidates stick to the questions asked and don't speak for too long.