Join us as we talk to Maru Nihoniho, founder of Auckland-based interactive game design and development studio, Metia Interactive. Metia’s foundational project and labour of love is Guardian Maia; a hybrid historical, science-fiction story inspired by Maru’s whakapapa and Māori culture in Aotearoa.

Maru’s foray into gaming development began more than two decades ago – it’s a story of perseverance, resilience and clarity of vision. She steps us through her journey, how her culture has greatly inspired Guardian Maia, and the potential for cultural learning and empathy building through the game play experience.

Hear more from New Zealand’s inspiring tech innovators intent on building a better tomorrow by listening to other episodes in this series. Listen to unique founding stories, from beautiful brand tracking software and a widely acclaimed gothic fishing game, to a seaweed-derived sustainable nanocellulose hydrogel -  an ingenious green alternative to petroleum-based polymers.