23 October 2008

TVNZ Announces Final Leaders' Debate: The Decider

TVNZ will present the final live televised election debate between Helen Clark and John Key on Wednesday November 5, at 7pm on TV ONE, again featuring questions posted as video submissions by the New Zealand public.

Just a few days out from polling day, the ONE News Election '08 Leaders Debate: The Decider will provide the two major party leaders with a final opportunity to present their policies and answer direct questions from voters.

ONE News' Mark Sainsbury will moderate the 90 minute election debate, with three of New Zealand's leading political journalists asking additional questions.

From tomorrow (Friday), New Zealanders can submit their video questions at www.tvnz.co.nz/debate.

Jason Paris, Head of Marketing and Emerging Business, says TVNZ's decision to adopt an interactive style of election debate reflects New Zealanders' willingness to use new technology to get their views and questions heard. "Our first debate was highly successful, and it's a matter of pride to us to be able to offer the public a direct line to the two people contesting the leadership of our country," Paris said.

TVNZ's Chief Executive Rick Ellis said: "As the public broadcaster TVNZ has a special role in promoting the democratic process. The election debates on TVNZ are an important opportunity for New Zealanders to get their issues and concerns heard at the highest level and to get the information they need to make a fully informed choice before casting their vote."

ENDS

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