Marama was born, raised and still lives in Auckland and is a mother of 2 adult sons. Strongly committed to supporting indigenous sovereignty globally, Marama became Executive Director | Producer of Atamira in June 2018, bringing 30 years of experience in the Māori contemporary dance sector to the role.

Her dance career began in training with Te Kanikani o Te Rangatahi in 1987 then she became an original company member of Taiao Dance Theatre, the company which pioneered the indigenous expression of the art form of dance in Aotearoa. Internationally she was fortunate to attend 3 residencies in the Aboriginal Arts Programme at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and as a result of this has a strong and valued Turtle Island Dance Network of colleagues and friends.

Marama also has a strong understanding of the wider dance industry and governance in the arts sector following 13 years on the board of the NZ Dance Festival Trust (Tempo Dance Festival) including serving as Chair from 2011 – 2016.

When dance became part of the school curriculum Marama attained a post graduate teaching degree and was on the staff of Waitakere College for a year. These combined experiences were well utilised when she became part of the Auckland Arts Festival Programme Team from 2012-2018 as Education and Community Programme Manager.

Moving to the position with Atamira was a return home to dance for Marama and a step up into higher level strategic thinking and financial planning. She is committed to serving and sustaining the artform of contemporary Māori dance in Aotearoa and the indigenous dance network globally.