Born and raised in Nelson but living currently in the Waikato, Roma had been assisting Ngāti Koata for many years as a manager, trustee, chair, and treaty negotiator. Roma’s interest in health has also led him to sit on DHB and PHO boards and for several years as chair Te Rau Matatini. Returning to the Koata board after several years Roma is still keen to help the iwi-whanau of Te Tau Ihu.

Roma has a degree in accounting and finance and a post-grad diploma in personal financial planning.

Roma is a member of Ngā Uri and a descendant of the tūpuna determined by the Native Land Court 1892 as the original customary owners of the Nelson Tenths Reserves.