Moana has whakapapa connections to Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāti Rangiwewehi as well as Scottish and Irish heritage.  Moana has more than 35 years of experience in social and community work including family violence prevention, child safety and protection, Youth Justice, Ngāpuhi Iwi based violence prevention and research.  Her working career and vision has been spent committed to strengthening whānau, child safety and wellbeing, reclaiming and application of indigenous frameworks and practices in social and community work, youth intimate partner violence prevention approaches and the development of Māori and indigenous people.  Supporting her life and professional experiences, Moana has a PhD in indigenous studies and scholar award from Te Wānanga ō Awanuiarangi.
Moana is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services.