Twelve candidates are seeking to replace former National leader Simon Bridges who retired from Parliament last month.

Labour, National and ACT candidates went head to head on what they thought Tauranga needed, with infrastructure the number one topic on their minds.

The debate took place after Tauranga City Council commissioner Anne Tolley said two big roading projects in Mount Maunganui and State Highway 29 should be top of mind for candidates along with better access to the Port.

Tolley also suggested early commentary from candidates was out of touch with voters.

National Party candidate Sam Uffindell told the room his party was the only one to make an infrastructure announcement for Tauranga in recent years.

"That announcement was for us to build the Takitimu Northern Link, which we had ready to go and which was cancelled by the government.

"We are re-committing to having that built, stage one and two, to Ōmokoroa."

Uffindell promised more if National won next year's general election.

"We are proposing that for every house that a council builds over and above its five-year average, National will give the local government $50,000.

"That should help incentivise and encourage them, and this will help us to get our local infrastructure built."

Labour candidate Jan Tinetti said her party had already committed to Tauranga's infrastructure needs and central government had confidence to keep it going.

"The government is investing in this city like they haven't done before.

"You would have seen the announcements from the local council about the Infrastructure [Acceleration] Fund - a $1 billion fund that Tauranga projects have been highlighted at nearly $200 million for."

ACT's Cameron Luxton said the party's policy was for a 30-year commissioning agency to commit to infrastructure needs, which would avoid projects falling victim to the three-year election cycle.

"It would actually mean things get locked in for a 30-year timeframe, and I think that's really going to provide some proper guidance."

Health system reforms attracted the most interest from the audience of about 50 people.

Cameron Luxton spelled out his opposition to a separate Māori Health Authority.

"Why do we need to have a dual bureaucracy up the very top when we should allow our communities to find the best solutions for themselves."

Asked whether he understood the needs of Māori, or at any time in his campaign had engaged in conversations with local marae he said: "I will say in my campaign I have not visited any marae, but I have played rugby for six."

Uffindell told the meeting he was also opposed to the Māori Health Authority while Jan Tinetti said it was essential to provide better access to care.

The by-election takes place on June 18, and early voting begins on June 3.

Leah Tebbutt/RNZ

The Tauranga Business Chamber organised and hosted the panel discussion for members of the business community on Monday May 23 with MC Will Johnston, and panellists Jamie Lunam, Bridgette Tapsell, Paora Stanley and Mary Hill.