Napier City Council Taradale Ward hopeful Kirsten Wise reckons it was only a matter of time before she put her hand up.
She is the member of a fourth generation Napier family and aged 39, she's already served as an elected member of the Hawke's Bay District Health Board, isa member of Bledisloe School's Board of Trustees, and with two business partners set up a Napier accounting firm.
She says it's time for "fresh eyes and input" into Napier's governance, and she's suited with a background providing financial support and advice to a wide variety of businesses "local and internationally."
"Utilising my skills and expertise in the financial sector to support businesses throughout our city and stimulate economic growth across our region as a whole is one of my key drivers for standing for council," says Ms Wise, one of five candidates as two new councillors are sought for the Ward.
"As a Taradale resident I am particularly focused on the revitalisation of the Taradale Shopping Area and very keen to work with retailers to develop and implement a strategic plan to secure the future of our local retail outlets."
From her experiences on the Health Board, she sees "huge gains" to be made by central and local government working together to deliver services to communities, but doesn't believe council amalgamation is "the magic answer."
Her education governance role makes her keen for the area to capitalise on its high-quality schools to encourage young professionals, tradespeople and their families to Hawke's Bay.
She was elected to the Health Board in 2010, the only new member and joining six previous members.
