Henare O'Keefe is adamant that Flaxmere is on the up, and his part in that is no small matter.
The Hawke's Bay town has had a reputation for crime and violence, but that hasn't stopped Henare from promoting it as a place of opportunity.
Late last year a major new housing development of 500 homes was announced, while another development between the Government and Hastings District Council will see a new senior housing development built in the southwest corner of Flaxmere's town centre.
Getting more housing into Flaxmere to meet a growing population has been one of Henare's focuses, and he has become the face of one of the new housing developments.
He is renowned for his hands-on approach to addressing violence and empowering the disadvantaged, whether through his work in prisons or setting up the marae-based Māori youth court in Flaxmere.
Serving as a Hastings District Councillor for 15 years, Henare was honoured with the Queen's Service Medal in 2011 for all of his community work.
Henare talks to Kathryn about his life's work.
Taneshia Gill with Henare O'Keefe, a former Hastings District Councillor. Photo: Lauren Crimp / RNZ
