Brian Hanna was born in Northland and moved to Mahoenui, South of Piopio in 1988. He's been a councillor in the Waitomo district since 2004, mayor from 2010 to 2019. Brian has been a strong supporter of all grassroots sport in the region and has a special interest in rowing.

Married to Andrea with two adult children, he coached rowing when his children were at St Peters School. Brian has had a strong focus around youth development in his Waitomo district with many new initiatives.