Environment Southland election hopefuls have shared their views on the big issues facing the region at a Wednesday night candidate discussion.

Around 40 people attended the event at council chambers to hear from nine candidates in the Invercargill-Rakiura and Hokonui constituencies.

Incumbent councillor Peter McDonald kicked the event off by telling those gathered his priorities were flood defence and local government re-organisation.

McDonald warned infrastructure deficits were looming and said the current model would not meet local expectations.

For David Rose, core business was the focus with a call for accountability of council spending and less resources for reports and consultants.

Annette Trent was standing for her mokopuna and future generations, saying the decisions made today on water, climate and air shaped the Murihiku they would inherit.

“My north star is simple: strong communities and healthy environments.”

Accountability was a priority for Joshua Cumberland, who said council staff were “running” the organisation while elected members lacked the background to keep them in check.

Incumbent councillor Lyndal Ludlow said she was a people person with a lot of governance experience.

“Clean air and clean water are a given for me, so that’s why I’m here.”

Fellow councillor Maurice Rodway was keen to see new ways of river management developed with towns and cities protected, while Nathan Surendran warned the last 100 years would not look like the next 100.

He said it was a duty to protect people, land and rivers.

Roger Hodson was keen to ensure a high-quality environment for future generations with climate adaptation at the fore.

For Geoffrey Young, it was about bringing a strong farming voice to the table.

Young said he had considerable governance experience, was keen to promote river management, and hoped to keep rates down.

Current councillor Eric Roy was unable to attend because of a prior engagement, but said in a read-out statement he had gained a lot of experience and was focused on Southland’s needs.

Nick Perham had pulled out of the election race and requested by statement that people did not vote for him.

There are 18 candidates vying for 12 spots on the council this election.

New faces are guaranteed at the table due to the departure of chair Nicol Horrell and councillors Neville Cook and Robert Guyton.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air