TE MAARI

Te Maari Joe (known as Marj) is from Moteo and has spent most of her life working in the Māori development arena.

She began as a teacher at Mohaka, eventually moving into a role as Community Officer with the former Department of Māori Affairs. Marj is a founding member of the Māori Womens' Welfare League, an important national group focussed on supporting Māori women sitting at the centre of whānau, across all areas of activity.

In 1994, alongside Audrey Robin, Te Maari established Te Kupenga Hauora - Ahuriri, a Napier-based health and social services provider which continues today.