Harete (Whanganui/Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Apa, Nga Rauru, Ngāti Whitikaupeka/ Ngati Tamakōpiri) served six years as a Member of Parliament in the 52nd & 53rd NZ Parliaments. Prior to that she served as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand for 25 years which included court litigation, mediation, tribunal work and legal advocacy/representation specialising in criminal, family, children & young persons/youth, mental health law. She also has a broad range of experience & service in community affairs & governance. Harete has a lifetime involvement and interest in sport, including her own participation as a multi provincial age-group and franchise representative netballer, competition coaching, managing, event organising in netball & as parent support in age group rugby, tennis, athletics and New Zealand Junior & USA College national rowing. Harete maintains a regular fitness regime of gym workouts & running. She has competed in NZ Masters netball over the decades and more recently in the 10km run (60-64yrs) in February 2025 also completing her first half marathon at NZ Iron Māori (6—64yrs) in November 2024. She was delighted to simply complete the events (and stunned that they were also medalled golden moments for her!) Harete continues to follow and support New Zealand sport and athletes with keen interest.
