Helping you vote

It may be one of the tightest New Plymouth mayoral elections in years but in all the hype it's important not to overlook the other election races taking place around the mountain.

Next week, the Taranaki Daily News begins a series showing you just what your future civic leaders are all about.

Nominees from all four Taranaki councils and the Taranaki District Health Board will provide their answers to a series of questions on the issues that matter most.

The candidates will tackle the touchy subjects such as "Do you consider a Len Lye Centre a want or a need?", for New Plymouth District Council nominees; "What's more important, reducing the deficit or protecting health services?" for TDHB hopefuls, or "What is your opinion on the state of Taranaki's rivers?" for the Taranaki Regional Council can-didates.

Their 250-word responses will be published in the Taranaki Daily News from the end of next week.

Acting editor Robert Mitchell said general council and health board elections should not be overlooked when the voting papers arrive in the mail.

"We're committed to keeping our readers fully informed," Mr Mitchell said. "It's just not possible with the numbers involved to hold a forum for everyone so we are using this series to show you what the future leaders might be thinking on these vital issues."

So keep an eye on your Taranaki Daily News next week to see just what your future civic leaders are all about.

- © Fairfax NZ News