But Mr Mooney has questioned what good a debate would serve and said he was more focused on getting a regional deal for Southland across the line.
Queenstown District Mayor John Glover said yesterday he wanted Mr Mooney to debate the fast-track legislation with deputy mayor Quentin Smith.
Mr Mooney and Mr Smith traded blows on social media earlier this week over the impact of the fast-track process on the Queenstown area.
Mr Glover said rather than having an online debate, it would be better to have a public debate in Arrowtown, a part of the district which was facing real issues over the legislation.
The decisions made under fast-track legislation were having a real impact on the region and council programmes.
Mr Mooney said he had spoken to Mr Smith late yesterday and he had said nothing to him about a debate.
‘‘John hasn't rung me.
‘‘That would be helpful because he's got my number.
‘‘The question is, has John talked to Quentin?
‘‘Because, if he has, then why hasn't Quentin mentioned that in a 20-minute phone call I just had with him?
‘‘Or if he hasn't, why is he ringing a reporter to try and do this rather than talking to myself and Quentin.’’
Mr Mooney said he was more interested in finding solutions to issues than taking part in debates.
