Louisa (Ngati Tuwharetoa me Waikato) has held a variety of roles across the public sector as a policy advisor and community advocate in the social policy and public policy areas. Louisa believes that people have the solutions to meeting their own needs and her responsibility is to ensure public resources are distributed in a way that meets the needs and aspirations of all of our communities. A priority for Louisa in her work with Manurewa community leaders is to help create and cultivate the environment for the next generation to dream and to fulfil their potential. As a former Silver Fern and Black Fern, Louisa knows that striving to attain goals can be achieved with the support and encouragement of our families and communities. Louisa's work is founded on a commitment to universal human rights and to practically ensuring that all people as NZ citizens live equally in dignity and rights. Louisa's career highlights include being a member of the Silver Ferns from 1989 to 1992, New Zealand Women’s Rugby Player of the Year in 1997, World Champion in Black Ferns in 1998, earning Master of Philosophy (Social Policy), Bachelor Social Policy and Social Work, and working as a Policy Advisor and Policy Analyst for the Children's Commission, Families Commission, Human Rights Commission, Auckland University of Technology, and Counties Manukau DHB.