In three months, we will go to the polls to make a very important decision.
We will decide a course for our country, whether to continue down the path the National-led Government has set us or change direction with a new administration. We will also put pen to paper to decide who among a list of potentially worthy candidates will best advocate for our region in Parliament.
It's a tough decision, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. And our role at the Chronicle is to help you make an informed choice.
In that, we want to enlist your help, by guiding us with what you think are the main issues, nationally and locally. In addition, through the campaign period, we want your questions so we can put them to the candidates. We aim to be totally impartial in our coverage of the election, and to do that we are setting some ground rules.
We have ceased our political columns from MPs and have set some guidelines around letters to the editor (see below).
We want to encourage you to feel a part of our coverage and seek applications from people who would like to participate in our reader panel. Successful candidates will offer feedback on the main issues, and the candidates' policy or performance in answering questions. The best way you can get involved is by telling us what you want from your local daily newspaper over the next three months.
Email elections@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
Thanks to all those who turned up on Tuesday night to put a question to Prime Minister John Key. There was a good crowd, and $500 was raised for the Christchurch earthquake appeal. Rrespect was shown to those putting questions, and Mr Key in answering.
Apologies to those who missed out on having their questions asked. We were left a bit short of time due to the Prime Minister's extended opening address, not to mention the volume of questions received.
Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
General election campaign period
During the campaign period, no opinion columns or letters to the editor will be accepted from candidates - and "electioneering" letters or texts from supporters will not be accepted. However, your letters on issues for voters
will be welcome and we'd love to receive your election news tips and story ideas at: elections@wanganuichronicle.co.nz