Maria Walker

Maria Walker was born in Tāmaki Makaurau and raised in Waimakariri, just north of Ōtautahi. She studied architecture in Te Whanganui a Tara, where her research into low-carbon, circular mycelium bio-composites set the direction for her career. She now works as a circular economist, focusing on infrastructure sustainability ratings, whole-of-life carbon, and circular economy strategy for major clients across the energy, transport, water and textile industries. She is a biomaterials expert for Fashion & Textiles NZ’s Future of Fibres Aotearoa project, and has presented on the barriers and enablers for bio-based materials at conferences across the UK and Europe. In March 2026 she founded the Bio-Based Building Network of Aotearoa, which she now co-chairs, growing a community around bio-based materials in the built environment. Outside of work, she practices crafts — embroidery, weaving, beading, and chainmaille — as a form of somatic therapy and mindfulness.