With a background in the local education sector, council candidate Mercia-Dawn Yates is fighting for the disengaged children of Rotorua.
Yates says the current model of three-year pilots isn't working and better co-operation between council, agencies and iwi is vital to make a difference.
"I don't believe there can be sustainability when there are only three-year pilots that come in and go out."
On financial management, Yates points to her own ability to "run a lean budget" as a solo mother, but she takes a different view to some candidates on where council funds should be spent.
"I do believe we need to invest in areas that enable the arts and culture aspects of our city to flourish. We are a tourist town after all. We need to ensure that we have amenities that attract tourists here."
