Hello everyone and welcome to the Leaders and Independent Candidates debate for the 1st General Election. I'm Lady_Aya, and I'm here to explain the format and help conduct an engaging and spirited debate.

M: Since there wasn't a great time to do a coordinated debate on main, we are instead doing the leaders debate on here

We have taken questions from politicians and members of the public in the run-up to the election.

Comments not from one of the leaders or me will be deleted (hear hears excepting).

First, I'd like to introduce the leaders and candidates.

The Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party: /u/Gregor_The_Beggar

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Leader of the National Party: /u/RhyddidNZ

Leader of the Green Party: /u/model-ben

Leader of ACT New Zealand: /u/Frost_Walker2017

Leader of the Country Party: /u/model-frod

Leader of the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party: /u/fourtipsymetalpukeko

Leader of United Future: /u/kitty-mew

The format is simple - I will post the submitted questions, grouping ones of related themes when applicable. Leaders will answer questions pitched to them and can give a response to other leaders' questions and ask follow-ups. I will also ask follow-ups to the answers provided.

It is in the leader's best interests to respond to questions in such a way that there is time for cross-party engagement and follow-up questions and answers. The more discussion and presence in the debate, the better - but ensure that quality and decorum come first.

The only questions with time restraints will be the opening statement, to which leaders will have 24 hours after this thread posting to respond, and the closing statement, which will be posted on Thursday.

Good luck to all leaders!