Watch the full Local Focus interview for Ana Apatu's views on the region's biggest issues, and our less important quickfire questions.
Ana Apatu (Ngāti Kahungunu) is a member of the Hastings District Health Board, and has worked as chief executive of Wharariki Trust over the years.
Wharariki Trust's main goal is to help people in the Flaxmere community achieve better lives and succeed. Now, she is running for Takitimu Māori Ward.
With a deep connection to the Māori community, Ana reckons she is the right person who can represent Māori well.
"I think it's very important to get back to voters. I would set up a consultation platform, whether Facebook page or face to face."