Mayor Tania Tapsell: leading the way

What was your childhood like? I grew up in Rotorua and my family have been here for many generations. I come from a humble neighourhood and was raised in a large, hardworking family – I’m the eldest of six children.

When did you first become interested in politics? I was in the city’s Youth Council at 14 years old. I wanted to become involved because I had seen a lot of issues in our city and a lot of opportunities, if we had the right advocacy. For example, I saw inequities around the level of council services and care in lower socioeconomic areas like ours. In my ambitious, youthful thinking I became determined to try my best to change it.

Youth Council was such a great opportunity to learn more about what council does and it was through that I realised the important work and impact that a council has on the community but I also felt at the time that the decision makers needed to better reflect the community that they represent. That gave me the drive and motivation to stand for council when I was 21 years old.

What did you do when you left school? I left school at age 16. I knew I wanted to get into politics and study business and I had heard about a Diploma in Business at the local tertiary institute, Waiariki Institute of Technology.

Tell me about your journey to become Mayor?
I was elected to the Rotorua District Council at age 21 and went on to become Mayor at age 30. I am one of the youngest Mayors in NZ and the first Māori woman to be appointed Mayor in Rotorua. I think what was crucial in my success in becoming Mayor was I had taken the time to learn the ropes.

I spent nine years being a councillor and proving to the community that I was not only capable but I was dedicated. Even though I was only 21 when I came to the table, and a few people had been there longer than I had been alive, I decided that I would work so hard that nobody could question whether I was capable or deserving of being there.

That’s a value and a mentality that’s served myself and the community well in terms of the progress I’ve been able to make as Mayor.

What personal qualities serve you well in this role? I’m often asked how I overcame the adversity of being so young when I joined the council. I like to remind people what makes you different is not your weakness, it can be your greatest strength. I also have a strong work ethic.

We pull some long hours and I’m often the last person leaving the building. Honesty and transparency have always been important to me and I think it’s great we’re seeing this reflected in the new generation of politicians.

My top value that means the most to me has been helping others and that’s a value that I always come back to when I’m having to make hard decisions.

What have been some highlights so far? I’m a real people person so one of my favourite parts of the job is being able to use my success as a pathway to help others. Being able to make meaningful and positive change for the community has been a highlight.

There’s no doubt our region and country are facing a number of crises but having the ability to plan for and deliver a better future makes this an important job and one of the greatest honours of my life.

Some stand-out projects during my time in council include, delivering kerbside recycling, and other environmental projects such as converting the council building to geothermal energy and switching all streetlights to LED. Perhaps the most meaningful change has been reversing the damage caused by emergency housing motels.

We had an explosion of crime and social issues as a result of them and through advocacy we’ve significantly reduced the use of motels and as a result have seen our economy boom, back to pre-Covid levels.

You’re one of the only Mayors in NZ history to give birth while in office. How are you enjoying your new role as a mum? I chaired my final council meeting before going on maternity leave and the very next morning I went into hospital to have my daughter so it was very efficient! We gave her a unique name – Kahumoa.

It translates to ‘most distinguished cloak’. We’re very in love with her. I took one month off but in all honesty I was doing Zooms and calls after two weeks – the work never really stops. I’m extremely lucky to have such a supportive husband, Kanin, who is taking time off work to be the full-time carer.

He loves spending time with her and being able to care for her and support me in my role as Mayor. I enjoy popping home on my lunch breaks to spend time with them and break up the seriousness of the day.

What are your aspirations for Rotorua? It’s such a special place. It’s got one of the most unique natural environments in the world, with 16 lakes, a forest and our beautiful geothermal. People travel from all over the world to visit us and I want us to also be just as proud of our city as a destination as we are of it as our home.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you? Prior to the pregnancy I had been running with the local athletics club and had just finished a half marathon. It’s a personal goal of mine to put the sneakers back on and complete a full marathon.

So I look forward to ticking the boxes of Mayor, mum and a marathon runner. I’m also a huge Harry Potter fan – I love the books and movies and my handbag that I take to meetings is the Harry Potter bag. It’s always funny finding other fans who recognise it!