Heather is of Ngāi Tai, Whakatōhea, Te Aitanga a Māhaki descent. She brings extensive governance and leadership experience across charitable, statutory, and community organisations. She is the Manutaki Maurua of Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi - Playcentre Aotearoa, a national whānau-led early learning organisation, and serves on the Board of the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Heather has held senior advisory and executive roles supporting kaupapa Māori organisations, including Houkura, the Independent Māori Statutory Board, and as Manahautū of Māngere Mountain Education Trust. There, she led place-based education initiatives grounded in mātauranga Māori, strengthening connection to whenua and the histories of mana whenua. Heather is a qualified teacher with a Māori medium specialisation and a certified translator.

Heather's work focuses on strengthening governance, strategy, and leadership practices that embed mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. She is passionate about the role of toiora mā te tākaro, learning through play, and connection to place in strengthening identity, belonging, and holistic wellbeing for whānau and communities.