tvCentral will be "asking the hard questions" in its first election debate starting September 8.

The 2008 Election slogan has been chosen as the theme for tvCentral's election debate, with 18 election candidates booked in over an exciting six weeks.

The election debate is a first for tvCentral, Indepth producer and presenter Janene Forlong said, and not only are the tvCentral crew excited about broadcasting the shows and personally meeting the politicians, but candidates are also eager to be involved.

“Approximately 25 candidates have been contacted with 18 confirmed and there are still more emerging. We have been very pleased with the positive response.

“In the three years InDepth has been broadcasting, there has been a growing interest from local MP’s wanting to be part of the show on a regular basis. Being an issue based show it has provided the opportunity to discuss local matters and gives residents the opportunity to hear what these candidates stand for when it comes time to vote,” says Janene.

Each show will feature three candidates from different parties, including Sue Moroney and Martin Gallagher for Labour, Tony Ryall and Lindsay Tisch for National, Jeanette Fitzsimons for the Green Party, Larry Baldock for the Kiwi Party, Te Ururoa Flavell for the Maori Party and Barbara Stewart for NZ First.

People are welcome to e-mail Janene at InDepth with their questions for the candidates. A full list of the candidates and the dates they will be on is available on the InDepth page of the tvCentral website.

The first debate will air on Monday, September 8 at 8pm and will run with a different debate each week until October 16. It will be broadcast separately to InDepth and will not run as live.

Media inquiries to:
Janene Forlong
P: (07) 888 5030 ext 819
E: e-mail Janene