Suz is currently the Pakaiahi (Kaiwhakahaere Matua) of the new and innovative Nga Kaitiaki o te Ahi marae-based programme at Karetu Marae. Prior to this she has worked alongside Pou Herenga Tangata at He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust in Moerewa for seven years, initially as a Whanau Ora Navigator.
In 2014 she completed Te Tohu Huanga Maori (PGDipBus Māori Development) at the University of Auckland Business School. She has a wealth of life and work experience across Te Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Maori, Adult & Community Education, Out of School Care, Moerewa Senior School support and the New Zealand Education Institute.
As a keen outdoors advocate weaving experiences based in, and caring for, the Taiao Suz has been a huge driver in this area for whānau, hapū and community. Suz is a highly respected leader within her hapu, Ngati Manu and at Te Karetu Marae. She is the Chair of the Karetu Maori Committee and a Trustee of Te Mana Moana o Ngati Manu Trust, Te Mana Moana o Ngati Rongo ki Mahurangi Trust and the Ngati Manu Rangatira Trust. She is also the Hikuwai Harawene Tupuna Representative on Te Tāhuhu Nui o Ngāti Manu (PSGE).