Glenda Alexander (Labour Party), Don Aubrey (Conservative), sitting MP Jacqui Dean (National), Sue Coutts (Green) and Hessel van Wieren (Democratic) faced about 100 people at the joint candidates' meeting organised by Grey Power North Otago.
Each started with three minutes to introduce themselves and their parties' policies.
The crowd, most in the older age groups, was good natured, with hoots and jeers for policies they did not like, and cheers and clapping for those they did, with the opposition parties' candidates probably getting the most support.
One question which got some support was from Waitaki Boys' High School, asking each candidate about their party's vision for youth.
Ms Coutts said her party wanted to encourage young people into trades and tertiary education and would pay a universal student allowance so they could start work without a big debt.
Mr van Wieren said the Democrats would abolish all student loans so young people were debt-free at the end of their tertiary or trade studies.
Mr Aubrey said targeted government assistance would be provided to address areas of skills shortages so young people would end up with a good chance of getting employment.
Mrs Dean said the emphasis would be on ensuring young people did not get on the benefit, with a strong focus on getting people off benefits and into work.
Ms Alexander said smaller school classes would improve education standards and the unemployment benefit would be offered to employers as a subsidy to create jobs.
