Katerina Pihera-Ridge's passion has brought an indigenous rights information series to Rotorua.
The Rotorua woman saw the Human Rights Commission-run events were taking place in Auckland and Wellington and thought Rotorua should be included, so she contacted the organisers.
"I thought it would be of interest to people, not just for particular groups. We all have varying understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and human and indigenous rights and there can be confusion and inconsistencies."
Mrs Pihera-Ridge is doing a Master's degree in international development at Massey University, and has worked on Treaty of Waitangi settlements for Te Arawa hapu, Ngati Whakaue and Ngati Rangiwewehi.
"I hope [the evening] sparks a conversation and lets people participate in that conversation ... Maori and indigenous rights are a passion of mine."