Watch the full Local Focus interview for Tina Karaitiana's views on the region's biggest issues, and our less important quickfire questions.
With a PhD, a masters in applied indigenous knowledge, a bachelor of education and a post graduate diploma in management studies, Tina Karaitiana says she has new and different skills to bring to the council table.
"I've been involved in local, national, and international governance roles," she says.
She also believes Te Tairawhiti roading needs attention.
"Wellbeing is about safety of our people and if we don't look after the roads we are not completing our duty of care."
