Increasing fuel prices, worldwide food shortages, the global financial crisis and climate change are the big issues under discussion at the Tauranga Environment Centre on Tuesday.

Organisers of the open speaker's forum are expecting a lively discussion on how to implement sustainability measures to boost the local economy and look at some of the successful initiatives already in place.

Journalist Rod Oram will be a guest speaker along with chair of Ngati Ranginui Treaty Settlement Committee Antonie Coffin and ex-Parliamentary commissioner for the environment Morgan Williams.

The event is at the Graham Young Youth Centre, Tauranga Boys' College on March 20, at 7pm.

Tickets are $15, with all proceeds going towards the Tauranga Environment Centre.