Radio personality Chey Milne conducted the discussion, asking candidates what they saw as the role of government in supporting iwi, hapu and whanau to realise their aspirations in the post-settlement era, and a series of other questions about issues important to Maori.
Mr Flavell said it was important for iwi to be able to make their own decisions about what is right for them.
Mr Waititi agreed, saying the relationship between the government and the iwi will, and needs to, change post-Treaty settlement. When asked what the most important issue facing Rotorua was, Mr Waititi said:
"Unemployment is a huge issue affecting our people in Rotorua. Creating jobs is essential, and not only creating jobs, but creating jobs that people want to wake up to, jobs that pay well."
Ms Sykes said tapping into other markets, such as information technology, could provide employment opportunities for those in Rotorua.
Investing in training and education was also crucial for getting more people into employment in the city, she said.
Mr Coffey said he believed the biggest concern for Rotorua was the lack of growth in the region, citing the many empty shops in the city centre.
Mr Coffey said the Labour Party's regional development plan would greatly benefit the area and boost the manufacturing and forestry industries here.
