Marama Davidson

Marama Mere-Ana Davidson (née Paratene; born 29 December 1973) is a New Zealand politician who entered the New Zealand Parliament in 2015 as a list-member representing the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, of which she became the female co-leader in 2018. In October 2020, the Green Party signed a cooperation agreement to support a Labour-led government. Davidson became the Minister outside Cabinet for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, as well as holding the Associate Housing portfolio. Early life and education Davidson was born in Auckland and is of Ngāti Porou, Te Rarawa, and Ngāpuhi descent. Her father is the actor Rawiri Paratene. Both her parents were Māori language campaigners in the 1970s. During her youth, the family moved a lot; Davidson started school in Wellington, but subsequently lived in Dunedin and Christchurch. At age nine, her family moved to Whirinaki in the Hokianga, where she spent the rest of her childhood. She started her degree in Hamilton and finished it in Auckland, from where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in International Diplomacy for Indigenous Studies through Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Professional career and community engagement Davidson worked for the Human Rights Commission from 2003 to 2012. She has worked part-time for Breastfeeding New Zealand. She was a 'Think Tank Member' for the Owen Glenn Inquiry on Child Abuse and Domestic Violence. She is a founding member of Te Wharepora Hou Māori Women's Collective.