Maria Ngawati, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Porou has more than 20 years’ experience in Māori health and education including positions with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Unitec Institute of Technology, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and AUT University. She has done extensive research and analysis in the nexus between Māori health and education and is currently completing professional doctorate study focusing on higher health education for Kura Kaupapa Māori students.

A Māmā of five, Maria is the current CEO of IndigiShare Charitable Trust, a director of Te Tapuwae Roa, a philanthropic organisation legislated for the advancement of Māori education and training opportunities, is a member of Ngā Pou Mana – a Tangata Whenua Māori Health organisation, and is also a trustee and project manager for her marae, Te Rito.