While this may be a top priority for the former co-chair of the CHB Forest and Bird branch, Mr Elderkamp said the issue that started him thinking about politics was the Department of Conservation's decision to revoke the protected status of the 22ha of Ruahine Forest Park - a step in the process to allow the Ruataniwha dam to proceed.
He said, in addition to this decision, other issues he believes the water scheme's process has faced are the various public consultations, which he claims have not been well managed.
"And of course there are also the issues of secrecy, openness and transparency, all those things that they do behind closed doors in the public-excluded meetings," he said.
Mr Elderkamp's announcement comes at a time when Mrs Hewitt is battling conflict of interest issues surrounding the water storage scheme.
He made it clear, however, that in running for the position of CHB's regional councillor he had "nothing personal" against the incumbent.
"There are no personal issues at all," he said.
However, he did say that 5-4 divide in council was a part of his motivation to stand.
"Basically, the way that things are going at the regional council at the moment, the history of the dam process, I thought well I would stand up and give it a go," he said.
The local body elections will be held on October 8 this year.
