Mark Gould began by saying sustainability was not his strong point but he was keen to protect lake water quality in the district.
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He was followed by Frances Louis who spoke about her upbringing at her marae near Ohau Channel and how her family learned to live off the land. She said it was all about protecting the environment for future generations.
Dr Reynold Macpherson asked the audience to "power read" a number of slides of policy statements put together by the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers group.
John Rakei-Clark was next up saying he did not think Rotorua had any environmental problems, but he would work with anyone who brought environmental concerns to the council if he was made mayor, and sell off some of the district's resources.
Steve Chadwick reminded guests she was a former Minister of Conservation and outlined the council's sustainability strategy saying it was still a work in progress after 18 months of community consultation and wanted to exploit Rotorua's largely untapped geothermal resources.
Rob Kent said sustainability was a difficult balancing act before describing what he would like to see done in the CBD with a new one-way system down Tutanekai St with markets and entertainment on side streets and a free city loop bus service.
RangiMarie Kingi said she had been doing her own testing of lake water quality in the area and said she already practised a sustainable lifestyle by using public transport and cycling as much as she could. She said she was concerned about the depopulation of birds and insects around Lake Rotorua.
Mr Gillies said it was a great turnout and overall, most of the candidates put forward good responses.
"It was a tough ask to try and convey a whole policy platform in five minutes.
"There is obviously a big focus on water issues - waste water and water quality - and recycling.
"The draft sustainability strategy didn't really light a fuse, there were not too many attacks on it, so who knows how that will develop, I think that will be interesting."