Sonja Macfarlane is an influential scholar of Māori and Indigenous knowledge, with a particular focus on enhancing the social, cultural, educational and health outcomes achieved by Māori. Her reputation is characterised by promoting culturally responsive, evidence-based approaches in education and psychology. Sonja has played a key role in the advancement of alternative ways for educators and psychologists to improve cultural awareness and responsivity, leading to the implementation of practices that accrue benefits for Māori learners (education) and clients (psychology). Her culturally-grounded publications and applied practice models in these disciplines have established her as an authority on the ways professionals can engage authentically within their professional spaces. With a commitment to building Māori capacity and capability, she is a highly sought-after doctoral supervisor and examiner of theses.