Rebecca Amunsden, Steve Chernishov, Darren Ludlow and Tim Shadbolt came together to debate some of the biggest issues facing the city.
The inner-city block development, housing shortage, council governance and city assets were among the topics discussed at the event promoted by the Southland Chamber of Commerce.
Sir Tim started to warm up the discussion when he raised the controversial recycling contract issue, which could affect the job of 82 disabled workers.
"There are occasions where money does not trample over humanitarian issues."
Long-term councillor Mr Ludlow said a key problem was the current council performance.
"I've been quite clear that the community expectations are we could do much better."
He did not want a council where everybody "blindly agrees" but the relationships should be more respectful.
Mr Chernishov wants more vibrancy in Invercargill.
Born and raised in the city, he was embarrassed that young people faced the same "community vibe" he had when he was a teenager.
He believed just a mall was not the solution to make the city more "fun and exciting."
"I don't have the answer now but ... let's do research and find a way."
Deputy mayor Ms Amunsden said housing was a big concern.
Changes to the district plan were necessary to make more land available, and also create an incentive in regions where developers did not think it was profitable to build.
"We [also] need to work with the government to get more social housing built here."
