Watch the full Local Focus interview for Marcus Buddo's views on the region's biggest issues, and our less important quickfire questions.
Marcus Buddo has been on the rural community board for the past three years. And now, he is hoping to represent Kahurānaki General Ward on the Hastings District Council election.
"I'm well connected to the community. I've got degrees in economics, politics and health science," he said.
Besides these skills, he and his family have roots in the local ward.
"I understand my ward very well. My family has been farming here for more than 100 years. My grandmother is a local teacher, and my mother is a local GP."