Hanareia is of Ngāti Uepōhatu, Ngāti Porou, Te Ātiawa and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui descent. She is an early-career researcher specialising in plant-microbe interactions, phyllosphere and insect microbiomes, and Mātauranga Māori. After completing graduate studies in Pennsylvania, she joined Plant & Food Research and Bioprotection Aotearoa as a Postdoctoral Scientist, investigating plant microbiome resilience to disturbances like pathogen invasion and biological control. She is dedicated to ensuring appropriate Māori engagement and protecting their Indigenous rights.