Maria initially trained as a Registered Nurse and has over two decades of expertise in the development and delivery of healthcare, mental health, organisational, and workforce development. Her passion lies in building the capacity and capability of talent amongst Māori. She earned her PhD in Māori Health by developing the theory "Seeking Solutions to Being Restricted," which reveals how Māori manage mental distress and mental health services in Te Tai Tokerau. Maria has contributed to a range of Māori health initiatives.

 

In the early 2000s, Maria worked at Te Hiku Hauora as a Māori Mental Health Nurse. She returned to the organisation in 2023 as the CEO.