Great Community Debate to take place at the Opera House this weekend

A celebrity debate, to take place this Sunday February 22 as part of the Opera House opening festival, looks set to be one of the festival highlights and it's free for the community to attend.

The debate will feature a well-known line up of debaters including the Minister of Local Government and dancing star Rodney Hide, Invercargill mayor Tim Shadbolt, Labour MP Lianne Dalziel, Dunedin mayor Peter Chin, and Waitaki District Councillor Jim Hopkins.

Mayor Alex Familton said he is pleased to have such a talented group of people prepared to be part of the debate.

"The debate topic will be 'We can't keep going at this rate'. It's aimed at creating discussion around the hot topic of rates and Council's soon to be released Draft Waitaki Community Plan."

Mayor Familton says he hopes as many people as possible attend the free debate.

"It's going to be a great evening with what I'm sure will be an entertaining and robust debate. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community be part an old fashioned 'town hall' type of event at their Opera House."

There will also be a collection for the victims of the Australian bush fires following the debate. Mayor Familton believes it’s important for the local community to show its support for the people of Victoria, who have suffered greatly as a result of the bush fires.

The debate will start at 7.30 pm in the Opera House auditorium.