Mike Tana


Mike Tana is a New Zealand politician and trade union leader. He was mayor of Porirua from 2016 to 2019.

Early life

Tana is from Matakohe, near Ruawai in the Northland region.
He has an agricultural science degree from Massey University.

Career

He has been senior biosecurity adviser at the Ministry for Primary Industries, and the president of the 62,000-strong Public Service Association.

Career in politics

He announced in August 2016 that he would be running for Mayor of Porirua and he ran a cheap campaign. He won the campaign, receiving 5,887 votes. He is the first Maori mayor of Porirua, and one of only a small number of Maori mayors in New Zealand history.
He grew up with racism, and when Mayor he joined Porirua City up to an anti-racism campaign.

Personal life

Tana has six children with his wife Toni.