Watch the full Local Focus interview for Charlotte Melser's views on the region's biggest issues, and our less important quickfire questions.
Charlotte Melser is well known for building The Citadel cafe in Castlecliff which she describes as a "community hub".
Melser's biggest concern is homelessness, and would like to ensure that nobody gets "left behind" as Whanganui grows.
"It's something that affects all of us."
Melser remembers when Whanganui was described as "a zombie town" but believes that has changed.