Theresa was born and raised in Te Matau a Māui and has made a significant contribution to Māori Development over her career span. The earlier stage of her career includes ten years working the public sector supporting community development across various government agencies including health, education, social and economic growth.

In 2010 Theresa started her own business in the health and fitness industry and has since built several businesses over numerous industries. Her in-depth experience in business and entrepreneurship has led her to become a pioneering leader in growing indigenous economic growth through SME start up and development support.

Theresa says “Indigenous knowledge is key in shaping a new way forward. Wealth and prosperity for Māori is not about profit. Our prosperity sits within whakapapa, whenua, wairua and all things Māori.”

Theresa’s role as a consultant is to set up Whariki Te Matau a Māui Business Network as part of a wider Māori Economic infrastructure within Hawkes Bay to support Mana Whenua aspirations and economic growth. Theresa will act as interim CEO until a CEO has been appointed.