Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngā Puhi, Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa

Maia is a Registered Nurse with Te Whatu Ora, specialising in mental health and hauora hinengaro, with postgraduate qualifications that deepen her clinical and cultural practice. Grounded in her identity as Māori and guided by the principles of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, Maia is deeply committed to uplifting the wellbeing of her people. Her mahi is driven by a vision of equitable, culturally grounded care that reflects the values, realities, and aspirations of Māori whānau. With a strong focus on whakawhanaungatanga and wairuatanga in practice, she works to decolonise systems and advocate for transformative change across the healthcare landscape.

Beyond her clinical work, Maia is a proud mother and a creative thinker who approaches both her professional and governance roles with a holistic, whānau-centred lens. She is deeply committed to empowering whānau and rangatahi through initiatives that uplift Māori health and wellbeing, grounded in te ao Māori values.

An effective communicator, Maia recognises the power of connection—whether through kanohi ki te kanohi interactions or digital platforms. She is particularly passionate about the potential of social media as a tool for education, outreach, and community engagement. Through every aspect of her work, Maia champions accessibility, inclusion, and the transformative power of informed, culturally rooted care.

Areas of expertise: health, equitable service design and delivery, communication and digital engagement, community relations