Speaker

Maria Barlow (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara) is the Kaiurungi Pāpāho (Director of Content and Audience Engagement) at Whakaata Māori. With over 20 years’ experience across content strategy, production, rights, insights, and commercial development, she is a seasoned broadcaster dedicated to storytelling that uplifts tereo Māori and culture. 

Grounded in whanaungatanga, Maria leads Whakaata Māori’s news, commissioning, production, programming, editorial, brand, marketing, and data teams. She champions innovation, authentic partnerships, and Māori-led creativity - driving initiatives that empower storytellers and deepen audience connection across Aotearoa.