National Party candidate for East Cape Dana Kirkpatrick is taking her campaign directly to communities across the Eastern Bay, launching a series of public meetings in cafés and other local venues.

“I want to make it as easy as possible for people across the electorate to keep in touch and talk with me,” Kirkpatrick said.

“I’ll be around our communities during the campaign; listening to people and talking about what matters locally.

“There’s a lot of information about the election but there’s nothing like talking directly about what matters to people and our region.”

The public meetings will be advertised online and on her Facebook page.

Currently scheduled meetings:

■ Awakeri: Tuesday, October 27, 10am-11am, Coffee Caravan.

■ Matatā: Wednesday, October 28, 10am-11am, The Drift, Arawa Street.

■ Edgecumbe: Wednesday, October 28, 12pm-1pm, Manna Café, Bridge Street.

Born and bred in Gisborne, Kirkpatrick comes from a farming family with four generations of history in the region.

Before entering politics, she built a successful career spanning journalism, communications, governance, and chief executive leadership including serving as general manager of Eastwoodhill Arboretum and chief executive at Equestrian Sports New Zealand.

She has also been involved in community activities at home through her business ExpressPR, raising money for charities.

In addition to her role as East Coast MP, Kirkpatrick has been promoted to a Government whip and served as the co- chair of the Commonwealth Women's Parliamentarians, furthering  support for women in elected roles. 

She said a growing economy that produced better paying jobs, education standards, safer communities and improving infrastructure were her priorities.

“Things have been hard for a lot of people this past three years. There's been a lot to fix. And there is a lot of uncertainty in the world. But all the signs are pointing to a better three years ahead for our economy with more jobs and higher wages,

“I firmly believe there is much to be optimistic about in the future of the Eastern Bay. From agriculture to tourism to our industrial base, our economy is heading in the right direction.”

She said over the past three years, she had worked to ensure regional voices were heard and parliament understood the contribution of regions such as the East Coast.

“From returning obstetrics services at Whakatāne Hospital, to the proposed replacement of the Pekatahi Bridge, to more police, and a dedicated mental health cafe in town, I've worked hard to get things done.”