Maria Burnett

Maria took up the Events Coordinator role in for the Parks Leaders Forum in 2026 after filling a non voting intern role since 2024.

Maria's experience spans both the private and public sectors, from resource consent planning to leading strategic parks and open space projects within local government. She has led the development of open space and recreation strategies, reserve management plans, play strategy initiatives, and community engagement projects, and enjoys working alongside clients, stakeholders, and communities to create places that people value now and into the future.

Alongside her role at the PLF, Maria hosts PodParks, the official podcast of World Urban Parks, where she interviews parks and recreation professionals from around the globe. She also works for Thrive Spaces and Places as an Open Spaces Strategy & Planning Consultant and sits on the Generate Network Steering Committee, having previously co-chaired the network. Maria is currently completing a Master of Planning and enjoys contributing to the continued growth of the parks and recreation profession across Aotearoa.

Maria was also the winner of the DLA Emerging Leaders Scholarship in 2024 with the Parks Leaders Forum