Nā Shakayla Andrews-Alapaki tēnei atikara.
New Zealand First candidate Shane Wiremu is once again seeking the Christchurch East electorate, hoping his second campaign will secure him a place in Parliament.
"This is not my first rodeo. This is my second," Wiremu said.
Wiremu, who affiliates to Ngāti Tūwharetoa, says while his whakapapa connections are in the North Island, he was predominantly raised in Christchurch's eastern suburbs and considers the community home.
PRIORITIES FOR THE EAST | NGĀ WHĀINGA MŌ TE RĀWHITI
A small business owner with an engineering background, Wiremu says his upbringing on Ōtautahi's east side has shaped both his priorities and ambitions for the electorate.
Education is at the top of that list.
"The biggest priority to me for the East is to make sure our kids get their education and stay in school," he said.
Wiremu said many families are struggling with the cost of living and other pressures, leading some young people to take on adult responsibilities too early.
Support for local businesses is another key focus. He said business owners in eastern Christchurch continue to deal with crime, including break-ins and theft.
Wiremu said the east side was once a vibrant part of the city but has faced challenges following the creation of the residential red zone and wider changes brought about by the earthquakes.
"As an Eastsider that's born here, there's a lot of hardworking people here and you see a lot of families go through a bit of a hard time," he said.
"So as a candidate coming into it, if I was fortunate to come through and be that representative, we've got a future fund in New Zealand First worth about $100 billion and I'm saying that if I'm here for you and I'm in there, I will get some of that and I will bring it back to the east"
Wiremu backs New Zealand First's commitment to increasing police numbers, arguing stronger law enforcement would help improve community safety and provide better support for small businesses.
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CONTROVERSY WON'T SWAY WIREMU | KĀORE NGĀ TAUPATUPATU E WEHI AI I A WIREMU
His connection to New Zealand First stretches back several years, with Wiremu saying party leader Winston Peters' leadership and emphasis on "common-sense values" first attracted him to the party.
"I wouldn't put my hand up anywhere else," he said.
Despite criticism directed at some New Zealand First policies, Wiremu remains steadfast in his support for the party.
"I feel that New Zealand First, we've always stood with Māori," he said.
If elected, Wiremu says he would advocate for greater investment in the area and ensure eastern Christchurch receives a stronger voice in Parliament.
With election day set for 7 November, Wiremu is hoping his second run at Christchurch East will be the one that earns him a place in Parliament.