Tanya Winter describes herself as a ‘cheeky troublemaker’ with a big smile and a warm heart, who was kicked out of school and then somehow ended up with Phys Ed and Arts degrees. While working for a Regional Sports Trust in Wairoa she learnt first-hand that providing people from all walks of life with opportunities to be active had a huge impact on community wellbeing.

Her career in local government has since spanned more than twenty years and taken her to six different councils across Aotearoa. Currently the 'Chief Exciter' at Ōtorohanga District Council, she sees her calling as convincing cash-strapped councils that sport, active recreation and play are core business, and that even a small investment can yield massive returns. Tanya has also worn the silver fern when, at the magic age of 50, she was selected for the NZ team for the World Long Distance Triathlon Championships in Denmark.