Rural New Zealand needs strong, independent governance with district councillors willing to stand up against central government, Tararua District Council candidate Chris Southgate says.
Mr Southgate served three terms as a district councillor, before missing out in 2013.
"When I didn't get on council three years ago I left behind unfinished business," he said.
"Now I've had a lot of encouragement from people across the board to stand again.
"Our new district council could have a lot of new faces around the table, but there needs to be a balance between experienced and new councillors.