Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa
Maria commenced her career as a Registered Nurse in South Auckland, dedicating her career to Hauora Māori and mental health. She earned her PhD on the theory of Seeking Solutions to Being Restricted, a Māori-Centred Grounded Theory of Māori, Mental Illness and Health Services.
Maria has a history in Māori Provider and Workforce Development in her previous roles with Te Rau Matatini and Te Rau Ora. In 2023, Maria was appointed as the CEO of Te Hiku Hauora, a provider of Hauora Māori -primary healthcare services in Muriwhenua.
Maria’s early experience in Whānau Ora, was as a Whānau Ora Action Researcher in the early developmental phase of Whānau Ora Services, and since returning home to the Far North, she joined the Whānau Ora Collective in Te Tai Tokerau as one of the providers of Whānau Ora Services.
Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa
