The country's new Maori Development Minister is hoping to hear lots of ideas from Wanganui people when he comes to town this week.
Te Ururoa Flavell is holding a two-hour open forum on Wednesday night. It's at the Eulogy Lounge at Wanganui Racecourse from 7pm to 9pm.
The Hui Whakahononga is open to anyone interested - including individuals, whanau, hapu and iwi.
The minister wants to know what initiatives are having a positive impact on communities and what more could be done to lift the lives of whnau in the region. He said people should come to the hui prepared to share their ideas, and he would be doing more listening than talking.
"This is an opportunity for whnau to share their views with me and for us to consider pragmatic ways that I along with other ministerial colleagues can help them achieve their aspirations."
His Wanganui forum is one of many throughout the North Island this year, moving to the South Island next year.
"I gave an undertaking when I became a minister to get out to communities and listen to those people who work with our people every day. It's really important that ministers understand how Government policies impact on our people and I know there are some stark differences across the regions.
"I'm keen to hear at first-hand what the major issues are for local communities and what I can do to support them."