It's nearly time to see your future councillors go toe-to-toe on topics important to you.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council's aspiring councillor candidates will get the chance to showcase who they are and what they stand for this election at the Meet the Candidate Debate series – starting next week. The series' last event will be Mayoralty contenders' debate in Tauranga City.

From Monday, August 29, to Thursday, September 1, the public will get the chance to see Katikati-Waihī Beach, Kaimai, Maketu-Te Puke answer quick-fire questions, challenging scenarios, and crowd-sourced queries in-person or online.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council CEO John Holyoake says with such a broad range of candidates in this year's election, the debates play a key role in helping residents make an informed decision when voting opens on September 16.

'There is buzz beginning to grow around elections and so this is a chance for the candidates to showcase their passion and personality, as well as their priorities if elected to council,” says John.

'These are free and open to everyone to attend. They will be fast-paced and fun, so I encourage you to join in.”

On August 29, a debate for the Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward is at Katikati Primary School; on August 30 the Kaimai Ward debate is at Pahoia School.

The Te Puke-Maketu Ward debate is at Te Puke High School on August 31, and the Mayor Debate will be at University of Waikato, Tauranga, Lecture Theatre, Level 2, on September 1.

All debates will start 6pm. Not able to attend in person? You can tune in and take part via livestream on council's YouTube channel or: generationchange.nz