On the ball as election heats up

It's hard to believe an election is just weeks away.

With two huge continuing news events - the Rugby World Cup and Rena running aground off the Bay coast - capturing the public's attention, the election has almost got lost in the background.

But not quite.

Today in the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, we kick off our general election coverage with a street poll of 500 people asking who they will be voting for.

And I have to say I was somewhat surprised at how many people are undecided.

The poll shows National and Simon Bridges are clear leaders - but a huge number of voters are still undecided. It needs to be pointed out our survey is an unscientific street poll, but interesting and informative nonetheless.

Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing election stories and profiles and seeking to form a panel of undecided voters to get their reaction on the big issues.

We will also be exploring some of those big issues and of course look at another street poll and keep an eye out for anything quirky or funny.

And if you have a burning question for a candidate, you can send it to us and we will put it to them, and publish both the question and answer in the paper and online.

Of course, we want to know what you think.

For letter writers and those who give feedback on our website and on Facebook, it's important we set some ground rules.

Letters and feedback on issues are welcome, along with tips and ideas, but blatant electioneering from candidates and their supporters will not be accepted.

Candidates will be given a chance to say what they think on the issues as we report them.

Stories and feedback will feature in the Bay of Plenty Times, Bay of Plenty Times Weekend and bayofplentytimes.co.nz.

There will also be some interaction on Facebook.

Our coverage will be independent and not favour any one party or candidate.

So while there are plenty of other issues at the moment, the election is important and there are many important matters that need to be debated in the public domain.

Health, education, crime, social welfare and the economy do matter and are pivotal to our society.

I have no doubt many readers have strong views.

Prime Minister John Key has enjoyed a relatively trouble free run during this first term, but it will be interesting to see whether the shipping crisis here in the Bay, the recent credit downgrade or result of the Rugby World Cup have any impact on National at the polls.

The management of the Rena grounding cannot help but ultimately reflect on the Government. I assume the Prime Minister is staying close to the story and getting the best advice.

We all hope it doesn't get any worse.

As for the World Cup, who knows? The loss of Dan Carter has been a blow, but I remain hopeful the All Blacks will have enough steel to win the tournament.