Watch the full Local Focus interview for Kereopa's views on the region's biggest issues such as food security, emergency housing, and climate change, along with some less important quickfire questions.
Until the Māori ward came along, Lani Kereopa never considered standing for council.
But raising awareness of housing intensification and its effects on Māori communities are her top priorities as a Māori ward candidate.
"The dumping of a whole lot of social issues into Māori communities is going to impact our Māori communities and we don't have a voice," she said when asked about the biggest issue ahead of the elections this month.
"We're not recognised as anything more than low socio-economic suburbs."
