If you could ask anything to those standing in this year's election, what would it be? Well, here's your chance.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is providing an opportunity for the public to press the future councillors on important issues.

Residents can submit their questions online at generationchange.nz, as part of Council's Generation Change / He panoni ā reanga campaign.

A selection will be put in the spotlight at the upcoming Meet the Candidate Debate series.

'Maybe you want to know the candidates' values, their views on certain issues, or maybe it's something that's affecting you and your community,” says council CEO John Holyoake.

'Whatever it is, let us know and those standing in the election could be answering your question on the night of your local debate.”

John says it's important for the public to have their voices heard, and this is a great way for them to really connect with the election process and their future councillors.

'We want our community to know who all the candidates are, and what they stand for so they can make an informed decision come voting time.

'Remember, those elected will be representing and making decisions for you and your community for the next three years, so I encourage you to take the opportunity to get your burning questions answered.”

Submit your questions before Friday, August 19, online at generationchange.nz or pop into any of our service centres for a printed question form.

All questions received will be grouped into key themes and a handful selected by Council to ask at our ‘Meet the Candidate Debate series, coming up at the end of August.

This will ensure there's a good spread of topics. Please note, not all questions will be asked.

The debates

Join in at the Meet the Candidate Debates. Starting at 6pm:

• August 29, Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward, Katikati Primary School (to add this event to your calendar go here)
• August 30, Kaimai Ward, Pahoia School (to add this event to your calendar go here)
• August 31, Maketu-Te Puke Ward, Te Puke High School (to add this event to your calendar go here)
• September 1, Mayor Debates, University of Waikato, Tauranga, Lecture Theatre, Level 2 (to add this event to your calendar go here)

Can't make it in person? The debates will also be livestreamed on generationchange.nz.