The BioHeritage’s Director Māori works in partnership with Director Dr Andrea Byrom on strategic priorities and building strategic links with Māori and indigenous researchers, groups and entities.

Melanie is of Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent.

She is an Indigenous environmental sociologist, the Chief Executive of Te Tira Whakamātaki and the Ministry for the Environment’s Kaihautu Chief Māori Advisor.