Audience number restrictions have been eased meaning more people can attend an upcoming Waiariki electorate debate in Whakatane.

Te Puna Ora o Mataatua (TPOOM) is organising the debate between Labour Party Waiariki MP Tamaki Coffey and Maori Party candidate Rawiri Waititi to be held next Wednesday, September 30 from 6.30pm at the Whakatane High School Hall.

Vision NZ leader and Waiariki candidate Hannah Tamaki was originally in the line up to take part but has withdrawn her participation.

Seats at the debate are free - but RSVPs are required because numbers are still limited due to the size of the hall.

The debate will also be live-streamed on TPOOM's Facebook page.

Important topics will focus on healthcare, employment, equity, the referendums and priorities for this term's election. Videos from the candidates on some of their views will also be posted on the TPOOM Facebook page and website coming up to the debate day.

TPOOM chief executive, Dr Chris Tooley says it's great to be able to open up attendance limits and encourage more local Māori to engage with the election.

'Many might not see the point in voting for a system that they feel doesn't serve them well," he says.

"But Mataatua votes matter and getting better voter turnout means that we are voting for the future that's important to us.

"There are a lot of needs in our community, a lot of changes and so many opportunities, and good leadership that puts equity first will really make a difference to our rohe.”

While in Level 1, steps will be taken to facilitate a safe environment.

Attendees will be asked to sign in to the event using the COVID-19 contact tracing app or on paper, seats will be spaced and hand sanitiser will be available at the door.

Those wishing to attend the event can lock in their seats at https://www.tpoom.co.nz/post/waiariki-debate.