Watch the full Local Focus interview for Latiff's views on the region's biggest issues, and our less important quickfire questions
Rizwaana Latiff moved to New Zealand from South Africa in 2000. She worked as a midwife for about 15 years and did a lot of voluntary work in the community. Then she decided to run for Hastings District Council.
"I ran for the 2019 election. To be honest, it was not a very good experience for me. I sort of backed down a little bit early, didn't do much campaigning," she said.
She ended up in 9th place, but there were only eight seats in her ward. Now, she thinks she is ready to take the spot on council.
"I have grown my experiences, I've grown my insight, I have grown my knowledge," she says.