Returning to Wanganui after more than 30 years away was like coming home, according to one of the city's newest councillors.
Martin Visser, 57, who was elected in October's elections, said after living throughout New Zealand he had a new appreciation for Wanganui.
"There is no other city quite like Wanganui. We have history here which is a big part of New Zealand's history," he said.
Mr Visser was raised in Wanganui before leaving to go to Waikato University at age 17.
His father, John Visser, had helped construct some of the Kowhai Park sculptures, and he said his father's good name played a part in him being elected.
"Everyone has to belong somewhere. I have a very real sense that I belong here."
However, Mr Visser said he would like to see an improvement to Wanganui's image, which had been tarnished by the gang patch debate, serial sex offender Stewart Murray Wilson's parole and other issues.
"Locals don't have the confidence in the city that they should," he said.
The city had been stagnating for 50 years, Mr Visser said.
"It is a bit much thinking that this council, and we newbies in particular, can turn that around quickly. It is a big ask, but we have to start somewhere."
Mr Visser, who returned to the city to live two-and-a-half years ago, said he was enjoying his new position.
"The scope and range of the tasks is what makes it so interesting."
He had a background in marketing and strategic planning and was involved in a biotech start-up company.
He decided to run for council after becoming interested in local issues, he said.
"I became a letter-writing crank to the Chronicle, and then somebody suggested that I stand.
"I am going to as many meetings as I can to get a feeling for what's important to Wanganui."
He said one of the biggest challenges would be earthquake-prone buildings.
"We can't keep all of the buildings. That is impossible, but to keep a good majority of them is critical."
If the council just focused on cutting costs, Wanganui would end up with nothing and no reason to be here, Mr Visser said.
"We need to grow the city to spread the [rates] burden."