Since childhood, Maria has been happiest when she’s outdoors and moving. Growing up on Great Barrier Island gave her the perfect backdrop to fall in love with running, exploring, and being in nature. PE and cross-country were her jam at school (with a bit of sewing thrown in for balance).

After returning from her Big OE in 2009, Maria settled in Ōtautahi and dived headfirst into every adventure she could. But in 2017, life threw her a curveball - a concussion that reshaped her world. Rather than let it stop her, Maria dug deep into resilience, creativity, and community. Somewhere along that journey, she discovered Zeenya Clothing, and once she was able to move freely again, she pulled on her first pair of colour - and never looked back!

These days, Maria proudly calls herself a back-of-the-pack trail runner, celebrating every step and every finish line. Her biggest achievement so far? Running 36km at the Krayzie Chicks Front Yard Ultra in January 2025.

She also pours her passion into community as Co-Event Director at Hagley parkrun, where she’s volunteered at over 150 events and is edging closer to her 100th parkrun milestone.

When she’s not on the trails, Maria lets her creativity shine through maquinky, her small biz making super-comfy, colourful underwear for all shapes and sizes. She’s even crafted Zeenya’s merino headbands through maquinky - because colour and comfort are at the heart of everything she does.