Former Maori Party MP Rahui Katene says she has helped revive the Maori Council in Porirua.
The local committee of that national network has been out of action for about 20 years.
Ms Katene says she has become chair of Porirua district Maori Council which keeps her close to community roots.
Ms Katene says she is tackling the same issues that she dealt with while she was a MP.
She says her top priority is addressing the lack of good housing in Porirua.
She says there is not enough public housing in the city and what stock is left has been allowed to become rundown.
Ms Katene says the Maori Council is advocating for people who need a roof over their head or are living in sub-standard accommodation.
