Marama Davidson reflects on the toughest parts of her cancer journey

Publish Date: Sun, 2 Aug 2026, 8:20pm

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Marama Davidson is the Co-leader of the Green Party and a List MP based in South Auckland. Born in Auckland, she spent her childhood living in several parts of Aotearoa before settling in Whirinaki in Hokianga, where she developed a strong connection to her Māori heritage. Of Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Tahinga descent, she was raised in a family of Māori activists and remains committed to improving outcomes for communities, particularly for Māori, by working alongside grassroots leaders.

Before entering Parliament, Marama spent 10 years at the Human Rights Commission and served as Chief Panelist for the Glenn Inquiry into Domestic Violence and Child Abuse, shaping her focus on preventing family and sexual violence. She later became New Zealand's first Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence and also served as Associate Minister for Housing with responsibility for addressing homelessness, including a focus on young people experiencing homelessness. A long-time Manurewa resident, Marama and her husband have six children and two mokopuna. She continues to advocate for social and environmental justice, drawing inspiration from her whānau and her belief that the wellbeing of communities depends on the wellbeing of the natural world.