"I've lived all around the world and I chose this place," she said.
Her experience includes managing bars in London and organising an Auckland tradeshow encouraging UK residents to move to New Zealand. Since returning to Tauranga she has worked as a tour co-ordinator for Zespri and more recently organised international trade show exhibits for Katikati-based dental technology firm Triodent.
Her main role with Mainstreet will be liaising with members, stake-holders - including Priority One, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and Tauranga City Council - and the Mainstreet board.
Miss Mattson said her greatest strength was her people skills and the co-ordinator's role called for someone approachable to members who could engage with them and earn their respect.
It was too early to say how she would go about bringing life back to the downtown or draw shoppers in. She would spend the time before Christmas meeting members and assisting with Christmas events.
"There's some real passion out there to work together to make it a vibrant, exciting city again," she said.
In August, Mainstreet announced a new partnership with marketing firm Tuskany Agency, which also took over Mainstreet's management duties.
Tuskany Mainstreet spokesperson Sally Cooke said Miss Mattson would focus on building relationships, work closely with members and co-ordinate events and initiatives downtown.
"Karena is exceptionally well suited for the role. She has an extensive background in project and event management, which gives her a great practical approach. What's more, she is a local and passionately parochial. We were immediately struck by her energy, focus and desire to work with us to create momentum, passion and pride in this city centre. I think she will very quickly become a great asset to the city centre."
In her spare time, Miss Mattson enjoys keeping fit, DIY, and recently took up sailing.
