Former NZ PM Helen Clark has faced off against her fellow candidates for the role of UN Secretary-General in a televised debate.

Ten of twelve candidates gunning for the role of UN Secretary-General appeared on the podium in two groups of five, with Ms Clark among the second group.

Eight of the twelve candidates are from Eastern European countries and six are women.

It's the first time the UN has broadcast a candidates' debate live on television, and the new Secretary-General will be appointed in January 2017.

Newshub's World News editor Tony Wright has been following the debate and has rated how Clark went, along with her opponents.

The first group of five candidates:

Vesnar Pusic (Former deputy PM of Croatia)