Eva’s children found a sense of belonging through learning kapa haka, which later inspired them to study te reo Māori. That journey of cultural grounding deepened their identity and shaped Eva’s understanding of connection, belonging, and bicultural practice in Aotearoa.

Over time, Eva’s advocacy extended well beyond her immediate community. She became the CEO of the Wellbeing Charitable Trust, a SKIP Champion. She serves as Co-Chair of Auckland Council’s Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel, continuing her commitment to whānau-centred wellbeing and cross-cultural collaboration.

One of the most meaningful projects Eva has led is the Hawaiki Project — a cultural exchange connecting Indigenous communities in Taiwan with Ngāti Manu in Aotearoa. The project began by bringing Taiwanese Indigenous youth to New Zealand, followed by a reciprocal visit where Ngāti Manu travelled to Taiwan. It took a massive effort to raise funds and make it happen, but the impact was profound.

This project is special because it focuses on genuine connection, not just cultural exchange, but deep and lasting friendships. It traces the shared ancestral roots between Māori and Indigenous Taiwanese peoples, supported by genetic and linguistic research. For many of the young people involved, it offered a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and pride — and showed what’s possible when communities come together with shared purpose and heart.