Iwi representative Potaua Biasiny-Tule admits to being a bit of a geek.
He is described as a digital communicator and technological entrepreneur and, in 2002, he and his wife, Nikolasa, started Rangikainga, an online newsletter or e-panui that eventually became tangatawhenua.com, an information and technology company specialising in all things Maori and digital.
He qualified from the University of Canterbury with an arts degree, majoring in politics and has a postgraduate diploma in indigenous development from Waikato University.
His interest in politics started where he grew up "on the mean streets of Ford Block".
Potaua said the years at university were also influential and he came into contact with people such as Maori activists Eva Rickard, Tame Iti, Mike Smith and his cousin, Annette Sykes, who were instrumental in developing his political beliefs and a sense of justice.
Another influential Ngati Pikiao figure, Hawea Vercoe, was the inspiration for Potaua to become an iwi representative on the standing committee.
Hawea tragically died in 2009 and was a vociferous iwi representative.
"I had no intention of being involved in local government but because he [Hawea] wasn't here and no one was taking up what he was championing, I decided to stand."
Potaua said Hawea was an excellent bridge between iwi and the council.
"He'd go to these hui [with his iwi] and be able to sum up the mood of the people and be able to articulate what they wanted and take it into council."
He admires what councillors Trevor Maxwell and Maureen Waaka have achieved for Maori in Rotorua and how politically astute they have been.
He says because of them the city is seen as being more multicultural.
Like some of the other younger members, he has found the standing committee to have been a huge learning experience.
"It wasn't until I got in there that I realised how big the machine was ... it's hundred years of practice, policies, legislation and procedures.
"I don't think I sized it up properly and I just ran at it."
He has a forthright approach and takes heart when his koro, Te Ariki Morehu, tells him to get in there and get the people's voice heard.
Although sometimes critical of the standing committee, Potaua says things are gradually changing and cites the various Te Arawa organisations and iwi who have signed memorandums of understanding with the council.
There have been other improvements.
"It didn't help when Hawea said TASC had no teeth and, now when I stand up and talk about TASC, people, say, 'choice, korero but you got no teeth'."
But it "depends how you look at it - our ears have gotten bigger, our voices stronger and, now, I think we've got a couple more teeth".
As well as his straightforward approach, Potaua says he brings his cheeky nature to the standing committee and often he and iwi representative Kingi Biddle will lighten up the more serious mood of the meetings.
Because of his youthful appearance when he first started turning up for council meetings, people mistook the reason why he was at council.
"Sometimes I'd have to say to the people at the front desk no I'm not here to pay my dog registration."
But in terms of council, he is young and often displays a youthful exuberance. However, Potaua says in the community he's an old guy and is keen for more rangatahi (youth) to get involved in council affairs.
"This is their town too so they should be here to have their say."
When asked what keeps him going back, he says Te Arawa need to be in this forum.
"This is our turangawaewae, this is where we come from and this is where we'll always be."