Mauriora Kaihau is from Ngaati Te Ata and Ngāti Tipa. 

Mauriora was born and raised in her hometown Waiuku. She participates in numerous whānau and community events and is an active kaimahi at her marae, Tahuna Pā. Mauriora holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Ancient History and Classical Studies. Mauriora has been involved in several United Nations Youth Conferences, and recently returned home from a Youth Empowerment volunteer expedition in a rural Fijian village. She understands the inner workings of small business being involved in the establishment of Kapukeke, a small Māori business she pioneered with her mother. She is an avid supporter of system change work passionate about creating long-lasting positive outcomes for intergenerational sustainability.