He uri whakaheke nō ngā hapū tini o Whangārei Terenga Parāoa me te Tai Tokerau, Ngati Whatua, Ngātiwai, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi nui tonu.

May is a notable leader in mental health nursing, recently serving as the Director of the Hauora Māori Service Directorate at Te Manawa Taki West and as a Nurse Consultant at Ngakau Consultancy. With over 25 years of experience in both the government and non-government health, Social and education sectors, May has built a reputation as a pivotal advocate for Māori health equity.

May's commitment to Māori health flourished in earnest with her enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in Not for Profit Management, facilitated by Te Rau Matatini , marking a significant milestone in her professional journey. This transformative program played a crucial role in her evolution from tauira (learner) to kaiārahi (leader), a transition she embraces wholeheartedly. Throughout her relationship with Te Rau Ora over the decades, May has served on various practice and governance boards and contributed to significant projects, including Huarahi Whakatu, Tuia Te Ao Marama to name a few. Her commitment to education and professional development is underscored by her academic credentials, which include a Master of Business, a Bachelor of Health Science, and multiple postgraduate qualifications in mental health.

Throughout her career, May has held key leadership roles, including Associate Director of Nursing for Mental Health & Addictions and National Principal Advisor for Quality and Practice in Mental Health & Addictions (Department of Corrections). Her contributions to initiatives such as the establishment of Waikato’s first NGO Acute Alternative Community Māori Mental Health Unit and pioneering mental health services within the prison system, her active involvement with Te Ao Maramatanga, the College of Mental Health Nurses NZ, where she serves as the Kaiwhakahaere highlight her dedication to improving the mental health landscape. May’s unwavering commitment to integrity, empathy, and respect positions her as a beacon of leadership, inspiring transformative change and promoting culturally responsive care for Māori communities throughout New Zealand.