Candidates for most of the major parties turned up for an event run by Grey Power and the Greater South Dunedin Action Group at the Blind Foundation hall.
Candidates were each given pre-issues questions, including what their party would offer local government to help with the likes of intense rainfall events and climate change.
Kerry Rushton, of New Zealand First, suggested holding ponds for storm water and more planting. She suggested raised planting boxes at places like the Pak'nSave car park would help, as would sea walls.
Labour's Clare Curran said the issues were too big for local government to deal with, and Labour would ''bring central government down here'' to help.
National's Matthew Gregory said National had dealt with the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes well, and National would ''sit down with the DCC and look at solutions''.
The Greens' Dunedin North candidate, Niki Bould stood, in for Dunedin South candidate Shane Gallagher. Dr Bould said climate change was a major issue, and ''we need to address it''.
The Opportunities Party's Lindsay Smith said ''real action'' was needed on climate change. It was not fair to expect the council to build sea walls with its small ratepayer base.
During question time, the Dunedin Hospital was a topic raised by some in the about 40-strong crowd.
Mr Gregory was taken to task for confusing Waitaki and Wakari, and for saying the hospital was 37 years old. One woman said it was 36 and another said it was older.
Mr Smith said the Otago Regional Council owned land which could be used for a hospital.
Candidates were also asked their thoughts on euthanasia.
A euthanasia Bill will go before Parliament this year, and Ms Curran promised to talk to the community before voting.
Mr Gregory said as a Catholic he would vote against it as ''I don't believe we have the right to choose who lives or dies''.
Dr Bould said she supported euthanasia, and Mr Smith said he did not have an answer.
