The Kiwis launch a YouTube Debate with major broadcast partner TVNZ

[cross-posted from the YouTube New Zealand blog]

A couple of weeks ago, the 2008 New Zealand general elections were called, with Kiwis going to the polls in early November.

Today, we're thrilled to announce the ONE News YouTube Election Debate between Helen Clark and John Key, a history-making initiative with New Zealand's public broadcaster, TVNZ. This marks the first time the head of a national government and a challenger will face YouTube video questions in an official live TV debate. The debate will be broadcast live on TV ONE on October 14.

So now it's over to you.

This is your chance to interact directly with the leaders of both parties - all questions are welcome. Be as creative and compelling as you like, just keep your questions under 30 seconds. You may be a frequent YouTube user, or you may be giving it a go for the first time. The power of video is that you can show where you're coming from, instead of just saying it. Whether you're on a train, in a classroom, outside your lecture hall, in the centre of the city, on the water's edge, in front of Parliament in Wellington, or an expat Kiwi abroad... get your camera and ask away.

TVNZ will be selecting the questions that are personal, short, and relevant. You can only ask one question per video, but you can submit as many videos as you have questions.

Remember - the debate will take place October 14, so get your video submissions in NOW and stay tuned to see the questions -- and the answers -- as the country's leaders respond directly to the issues that matter most to you.