Maria is a lecturer and researcher at Auckland University of Technology. She works in the School of Clinical Sciences and has a background in social work, Māori-centered research, and history. Her work has particularly focused on Māori experiences of whāngai and adoption. Her PhD, Closed Stranger Adoption, Māori and Race Relations in Aotearoa New Zealand, was the first doctoral research undertaken on the topic of Māori and closed stranger adoption. She has recently co-authored a book with Anne Else about closed stranger adoption in New Zealand called A Question of Adoption.

Maria lives in Auckland and enjoys singing, riding horses and spending time with her four adult children and six grandchildren.