Horizons Regional Council candidate Andrew Day wants regional councillors held to account for decisions.
Mr Day is contesting the Tararua seat on the regional council for the second time and along with Dannevirke's Lorraine Stephenson is trying to take the seat from incumbent John Barrow.
A Pahiatua sheep and beef farmer and former president of Tararua Federated Farmers, Mr Day told a meeting in Dannevirke he wants to see improved governance and economic competency from Horizons.
"The last three years has been tough on our community and we need a diverse and vibrant community," he said.
"Isn't it reasonable for your grandchildren and their children to enjoy what we've grown up with - swimmable rivers?"