Candidates standing in the Christchurch east by-election have taken part in a public debate discussing the problems faced by the quake-hit area.
The by-election was required after Labour MP Lianne Dalziel resigned to contest the Christchurch mayoralty successfully and will be held on 30 November.
Seven of the 10 candidates for the seat took part in a debate on Tuesday with rebuilding the east the main theme. Other topics included crime and insurance problems.
Labour Party candidate Poto Williams took aim at the Government's schools shakeup in Christchurch, labelling it an experiment.
National's Matthew Doocey said that, if elected, his top agenda item would be making sure the Government continues its commitment to the rebuild.
Advance voting
Advance voting is open from Wednesday and people who cannot vote on election day can cast a ballot at advance voting centres until 29 November.
Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden says there will be no voting places open outside of the Christchurch East electorate on election day, so anyone who will be away on the day needs to vote in advance.
Advance voting is available at the Linwood, Shirley, and New Brighton Libraries, and at the Parklands Community Lounge.
Candidates
Leighton Baker Conservative Party; Matthew Doocey, National Party; Ian Gaskin, Independent; Adam Holland, Independent; Paula Lambert, Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party; Jenner Lichtwark, Democrats for Social Credit; David Moorhouse, Green Party; Sam Park, Independent; Gareth Veale, ACT Party and Poto Williams, Labour Party.
