Kahurangi has whakapapa links to Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua and Te Waiariki. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Business Administration and completed her post-graduate research on Māori Economic Development. She previously worked for Waikato’s Economic Development Agency and Amotai Supplier Diversity Aotearoa supporting business growth.

Kahurangi understands Māori business having started a number of her own small businesses including a nutrition consultancy, a niche biosecurity company and Charitable Trust, Te Ara Rangatahi, a youth organisation supporting youth in Franklin, South Auckland into education and employment.

She is a previous Vodafone World of Difference Award Winner, Kiwibank local hero and Te Reo Māori champion. She was schooled in total immersion Māori and raises her two sons in Te Reo Māori.