Sitting councillor Coral Raukawa (Ngāti Apa) is seeking a third term on Rangitīkei District Council and her second representing the Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) Māori ward. Raukawa grew up in Marton and Whanganui and has spent more than two decades working in education, training and employment. Raukawa first entered council through a by-election in a general seat before standing successfully in 2022 when Māori wards were introduced. “If it’s a no to Māori wards then we will not have this conversation again about Māori wards for another 10 years.”Retaining the Māori ward is about preparing a pathway for the next generation, Raukawa says. “I’m encouraging those on the Māori roll but I’m also talking to those on the general roll to say yes to Māori wards and the reasons why.