Every three years, New Zealanders pick who will represent them on local councils.

In 2019, there are more than 2000 candidates standing for positions on one of the 78 city, regional and district councils.

How can you decide who to vote for?

Candidates stand for council with policies or views on a wide range of topics. But all local authorities have to grapple with the impact of climate change.

As part of Stuff's Quick! Save the Planet project, we have tried to contact every candidate in every council race to ask a series of questions about climate change. On this site, you can see their answers and a short statement on climate change from everyone who we were able to reach, and who responded in time. We’ve summarised the responses in this story.

Below, you’ll see the 11 questions we asked candidates and you can find the council you are interested in. A report on the responses of each candidate who completed the survey is listed under the council they’re standing for.

Around 2000 candidates for city, regional and district councils were contacted for the survey between September 3 and 13. Responses from 801 candidates had been received when the survey closed. (If you are a candidate and would like to be represented, please email us at newstips@stuff.co.nz.)

Climate change is becoming the defining issue of this era. You may wish to cast your vote for other reasons, but if you're voting with climate in mind this can help you decide. Polls close at midday on October 12.