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 a professional doctorate study focusing on higher health education for Kura Kaupapa Māori students.

Maria sits on Toitū te Waiora and is also a director of Te Pūtea Whakatupu, a philanthropic organisation legislated for the advancement of Māori education and training opportunities. As well as this, Maria is a member of Ngā Pou Mana – a Tangata Whenua Māori Health organisation and is a trustee and project manager for her marae, Te Rito.