Ko Tutumapou, Moketapu, Taranaki ngā maunga. Ko Te Hoiere, Maitahi, Okahu ngā awa. Ko Raukawakawa, Aorere ngā moana. Ko Mataahourua, Kurahaupo, Aotea ngā waka. Ko Te Hora, Whakatū, Te Potaka ngā marae. Ko Whakatū te kāinga. Ko Ngāti Kuia, Taranaki ngā iwi. Ko Ngāi Tutepourangi te hapū. Ko Tania Alesana tōku ingoa.

I am Tania Alesana (nee Hippolite). Daughter of Tom & Edna Hippolite. Granddaughter of Ihakara & Ruiha (nee McGregor). Born in Nelson with a teaching background spanning 20 plus years. Ten of those years in senior management. I am married to Sonny and we have three tamariki and three mokopuna. I'm based at Nelson Intermediate School as the Resource Teacher of Māori ki Whakatū. I have served as an iwi trustee for Ngāti Kuia before. My roles included - director of Kaiakaiawaro Fishing Ltd, Education portfolio chair, Chairperson of the Ngāti Kuia Research and Claim committee. I am currently the treasurer for Te Tau Ihu o te Waka a Maui Māori Culture Inc.

I am passionate about education and committed to supporting the development of our people, our business, and our marae for a better future.