Photo: Susan Botting LDR
Moko Tepania has been mayor of the Far North for just over a year, and in that time district's civil defence team has been activated 14 times - for ex-tropical cyclones and other weather events.
There have also been bushfires on the Aupōuri Peninsula, and two two fatal dog attacks in the region in the past 18 months.
Moko Tepania is the the Far North's first Māori and youngest mayor, who has recently gained a Master of Education with first-class honours.
He's also recently received a global leadership award in Belfast, Northern Ireland for his encouragement of young people into politics.
He talks to Kathryn Ryan about the challenges for his community and region.
