Rata grew up in Maraenui, Napier where she forged a curiosity and empathy for people and how socio-economic, cultural, political and other factors shape our lives.

Rata brings 20 years’ experience in communications roles - the last decade as a consultant - across multiple sectors including transport and infrastructure, tertiary education, engineering, health and disability, and the public sector. She currently runs her own communications and engagement consultancy focused primarily on public health and equity issues.

The birth of her son followed by his leukaemia diagnosis at the age of two deepened her desire to work toward a higher purpose: to help whānau Māori enduring the challenges of cancer diagnoses and treatment. Rata feels privileged to support the extraordinary people at Hei Āhuru Mōwai toward this purpose.

Rata holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Politics and an internationally-recognised Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) for senior practitioners. She is also a Member of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (MPRINZ).