The National Party candidate for the Whanganui electorate, Harete Hipango, was in Stratford last Wednesday and says it is "a happening little place".
"We met with mayor Neil Volzke where he told us about some exciting developments for Stratford in time. These all align with the National Government's regional development and prosperity."
Harete says she enjoyed spending some time walking along Broadway, popping in to talk with various local retailers later in the day.
Harete also visited the principals at Startford High School and St Mary's Diocesan School, adding she plans to return to spend time listening to and talking with senior students and staff at both schools.
She says she also enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Stratford Business Association BA5 event in the evening, which was held at the Percy Thomson Gallery.
Harete says she was impressed by the diverse mix of industry, enterprise, arts, commerce, banking, engineering, retailers and more that were present at the event.