Maria Te Aukaha Huata

Maria Te Aukaha Huata is an experienced professional currently serving as an Elected Member of the Hamilton City Council since August 2024. Maria has a diverse background in translation, stakeholder relations, and education, holding multiple roles such as Translator at Ōkupu and Māngai for Waikato-Tainui. Maria has also contributed as a Multimedia Producer for Tainui Live Aukaha News, an Educator at Vertical Horizonz New Zealand, and a Kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Earlier experience includes positions as a Māori Achievement Advisor at Wintec and a Project Manager at the University of Waikato. Maria's educational qualifications include a Master of Arts in Māori Development from The University of Waikato and a degree in Te Panekiretanga o te reo Māori from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, alongside various other certifications in Māori performing arts and small business management.