Tina McNicholas was born in Suva, Fiji, grew up in Porirua, and has lived in Wellington most of her life.  Tina is indigenous Fijian / iTaukei / KaiViti with links to Naveicovatu village in Tailevu, and Nasigatoka village in Rewa, Fiji. She also has Tongan heritage.  

Tina has extensive public sector experience with strong skills in public policy, programme management, public health, procurement, Not for Profit governance, local government and community development.  She has held governance roles in various organisations and served on numerous public sector advisory groups for over 25 years.   Tina is a public servant, and volunteers as Secretary of the Viti Weligitoni Community Association, a Director of Major Arc Trust, and was recently appointed as a Director of Kia Mau Festival Trust.   

Tina is grateful for the invitation to join Maranga Mai in 2017.  It has provided an inspirational, culturally-affirming indigenous space that has helped to nurture and support her journey as a writer.