Hinerapa Rupuha, of Ngāti Kahungunu and Te Whānau a Apanui descent, is a Māori language and cultural advocate with extensive expertise in te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and traditional navigation. A raukura (graduate) of Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori, Hinerapa is deeply committed to the principles of Te Aho Matua, ensuring her work aligns with a holistic Māori worldview that fosters language revitalisation, cultural empowerment, and identity.

She holds Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi and Te Panekiretanga o te Reo, two of the most prestigious Māori language qualifications, demonstrating mastery of te reo Māori at the highest level. Hinerapa is a respected expert in Māori language education and cultural competency. She has worked extensively in Māori language revitalisation, curriculum development, and cultural advisory roles, supporting organisations and communities in embedding te reo and tikanga Māori into their practices.

Hinerapa is also a trainee celestial navigator, developing expertise in Traditional Celestial Navigation under the mentorship of Pwo Master Navigator Jack Thatcher.