NZ's First International Paraclimber & Resilience Speaker

Rachel Maia is one of New Zealand's most inspiring sportspeople — the country's first international paraclimber, a multiple national record holder and World Cup medallist who came back to climbing after an 18-year hiatus that began with a near-fatal accident at 16.

Who is Rachel Maia?

Rachel Maia is a New Zealand paraclimber, motivational speaker and advocate. After a severe rock climbing accident at age 16 she stepped away from the sport for 18 years before returning in 2017 and going on to become New Zealand's first-ever international paraclimber. She holds multiple national records and in 2022 won New Zealand's first-ever IFSC Paraclimbing World Cup medal. A single parent to three children, Rachel speaks openly about her journey as a domestic violence survivor and the role of community, resilience and reaching out for help in rebuilding her life. She combines her own story with practical insights on growth, wellbeing and pursuing goals in the face of adversity.

Career Highlights

• New Zealand's first-ever international paraclimber

• New Zealand's first IFSC Paraclimbing World Cup medal (2022)

• Multiple New Zealand national paraclimbing records

• Returned to elite sport after an 18-year hiatus following a serious accident

• National keynote speaker on resilience, adversity and wellbeing

• Single parent and community advocate

• Voice for survivors of family harm in New Zealand

Key Speaking Themes

• Resilience and bouncing back from life-changing setbacks

• Mental and physical wellbeing under pressure

• Asking for help and the power of community

• Family, parenting and rebuilding after adversity

• Goal-setting, courage and reaching beyond expectations

What Your Audience Will Gain

Rachel speaks with warmth, candour and quiet authority. Audiences leave with practical strategies for navigating adversity, a clearer sense of the power of community and a renewed willingness to set big goals — even when life looks like it's working against them.

Ideal For

• Resilience, wellbeing and mental health events

• Women's networks and women in leadership conferences

• Schools, tertiary and youth leadership programmes

• Disability awareness and inclusion events

• Charity, community and not-for-profit fundraisers

Frequently Asked Questions about Rachel Maia

What does Rachel Maia speak about? Resilience, overcoming adversity, wellbeing, community, parenting and goal-setting.

Where is Rachel Maia based? Rachel is based in New Zealand and travels nationally and internationally for speaking and competition.

What is Rachel Maia best known for? Becoming NZ's first international paraclimber and winning NZ's first IFSC Paraclimbing World Cup medal in 2022.

Is Rachel Maia available for corporate audiences? Yes. Rachel tailors her story to leadership, wellbeing and resilience themes for corporate clients.

How long is a Rachel Maia keynote? A standard keynote runs 45 minutes plus 15 minutes Q&A.

Is Rachel Maia comfortable discussing her personal story? Yes. Rachel speaks openly and respectfully about her experience of family harm and recovery, drawing practical lessons for audiences.