Maria has spent a lifetime hanging out with kids—helping, supporting, and learning from them—including a stint as a teacher aide working alongside students with special education needs. In recent years, her creative side has been busy crafting her NZ IN A BOX® memory card games, which make learning fun for all ages, as well as writing picture books for children.

In 2025, NZ IN A BOX® was handed over to a new owner who shares Maria’s passion and continues to support the KidsCan charity, which is dear to her heart. This transition allowed her to devote her energy to new writing projects.

These days, Maria lives in the Matakana Hills, surrounded by native wildlife and lush bushland. It’s the kind of place that fuels her imagination and breathes life into the stories she loves to tell. Her most cherished roles are those of mother and nana.

• Children's non-fiction
• Adult's non-fiction
• Children's fiction
• Educational games for all ages

• 1st edition NZ IN A BOX® memory card game
• Zoo In A Box® memory card game
• Jin's Great Escape picture book
• NZ IN A BOX® Explore NZ memory card game
• NZ IN A BOX® Animals of NZ memory card game
• NZ IN A BOX® Te Reo Maori memory card game
• Lost in the Wild–A Dog's Tale picture book

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