The Local Elections start in September, and I'm standing for Community Board in Christchurch's Central Ward alongside my teammates Dr Sunita Gautam and Cr Jake McLellan.

As a community helper, I’ve learned how tricky it can be to navigate the many parts of the council. Friends and neighbours tell me they have felt similar frustrations.

I think Christchurch needs community representatives who will work hard to improve the interface between citizens and the council.

Trained as a research and marketing professional, I’ve lived and worked in the Central Ward for more than 20 years. My experiences include managing community owned properties, marketing communications, community development and advocacy.

In recent years I was one of several volunteers who developed a Revitalisation Plan for the Inner City East (ICE) area.

Successes from our work include a substantial reduction in kerbside dumping and annual community cleanup days. We also piloted an interagency group to address behaviour and safety concerns around Linwood Village.

Learnings from these projects can be applied across other parts of Central.

While doing this work, I noticed the support we got from local representatives Michelle Lomax, Jake McLellan and Sunita Gautam.

They worked hard behind the scenes to deliver for locals - and this has inspired me to run as part of their team.