BIO Hera Pierce

Hera is a storyteller and cultural advocate whose work centers on pakiwaitara—mythical narratives embedded with the Mātauranga (wisdom) of her Tūpuna (ancestors) and carried forward for her Mokopuna (grandchildren). These stories, passed through generations of Wahine Māori, form the backbone of her mission to uplift Mana Wahine and affirm the role of Tangata Whenua in shaping familial and societal harmony across whānau and hapū.

Hera speaks to the enduring power of women as knowledge holders, protectors of identity, and anchors of community. She draws attention to the deep importance of He whakapapa tōu, he tuakiri anō tōu—to know your genealogy is to know your identity. Her mahi encourages people to reclaim their whakapapa (genealogy) as a foundation for self-understanding, empowerment, and belonging.

Whether in front of a global audience or within her local community, Hera brings a voice that is grounded, fierce, and deeply informed by the wisdom of her ancestors. She invites all people to listen to the echoes of the past in order to shape a more culturally aware and connected future.