From a childhood of struggle Pania (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Waikato, Ngāti Mahuta) never focused on the negative, but was fortunate to stay true to her Māoritanga. At nine years old she wrote in a time capsule that she wanted to be a lawyer to make a difference. After working hard to achieve that, she has temporarily left her law career to fulfill her purpose and responsibility to the environment for future generations. Pania’s path through life has led her to finding her purpose, her kaupapa: protecting our whenua, Ihumatao. Doing what she was born to do, with her tupuna beside her guiding her to be the kaitiaki of the land. She now dedicates her time to huis and the occupation of Ihumatao land. Everything she does is for others; her nieces and nephews, her whanau, and future generations, so the sacrifices are without regret. As a frontline protector of Ihumatao she has had to step out of her comfort zone and face challenges, all in the name of saving a unique and sacred land, contributing to a better Aotearoa for all.