Maru Nihoniho

I am the founder and producer of Metia Interactive and lead a team of developers that include artists and programmers. As well as designing and developing my own games I also produce 3rd party games both commercial and non-commercial titles across multiple platforms including PlayStation, Apple iOS, PC, Mac and other technologies such as augmented reality.

I have a focus on interactive storytelling and designing games with meaningful learning objectives. With a portfolio of original and third party developed projects, I deliver games across multiple platforms from commercial titles through to educational and health-based game initiatives.

I have recently completed my Master of Applied Practice - Technological Futures through Tech Futures Lab and Unitec. The aim was to get an in-depth understanding of converging and emerging technologies, how disruption will change current platforms and to be prepared for future platforms.

I was awarded Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit on 20 October 2016 for services to gaming and mental health. In May 2017 I was awarded the MCV Pacific Women in Games Award for Innovator of the year presented by Microsoft Xbox. In 2018 I received the Māori Entrepreneurial Leader Award from the University of Auckland Business Leaders Awards and was named as Forbes Top 50 Women in Technology. This year I was awarded the Te Maunga Kai Kapua (Tuakana), Industry Pillar Pav award.