MŌURI ORA, MŌURI AWA, MŌURI TANGATA, MAI I TE KAHUI MAUNGA KI TANGAROA, KO AU TE AWA KO TE AWA KO AU – LOOKING TO FUTURE GENERATIONS WITH THE SPIRIT OF OUR TUPUNA.

Soraya lives at Ratana with husband Andre, has four adult children, and ten mokopuna. She was born in Tokoroa, raised in Whanganui and affiliates to Ngāti Rangi, Uenuku, Tamaupoko, Ngā Wairiki
Ngāti Apa, Ngatī Haua, te iwi Morehu and Tamaterā.

Before entering Parliament, she worked with hapū and iwi in Māori and community development. Whilst serving as elected District Councillor she worked hard for the replacement of drinking water at Ratana until a new plant was installed.

She has been a governor and involved in politics for almost 20 years having served on the national body of the Ratana Movement, 12 years as elected Local Government District Councillor for Rangitīkei and Chair of her tribe Ngāti Rangi during Post Settlement phase. She served on Whanganui District Health Board and was foundation member of Te Mātuku, local Te Aka Whai Ora, Iwi Partnership Board before stepping down to enter Parliament.

Soraya comes from humble beginnings raised by her young, widowed Mum left to care for six children and having been a solo Mum herself, knows what its like to be on “struggle street.’ She spent time in Australia before returning in early 2000 settling at Ratana.

During her short time in Parliament, she served on Māori Select Committee and is current member of Health and Primary Production Select Committee and is Deputy Chair of Governance, Local Government Caucus. Soraya brings a strong voice to the table and continues to advocate, influence and help build an understanding of te ao Māori – the Māori world across our social, environmental, cultural and economic well beings.

“Na to wairua hei arahi te hinengaro me te tinana”