Jessica Hinerangi Thompson- Carr is Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, and Ngāpuhi. She is 25 years old, born and bred in Ōtepoti. She achieved her degree in English and Art History in 2018, and her Masters Coursework in 2019. Jessica currently works as an artist, poet, and journalist, often under the name Māori Mermaid (@maori_mermaid on instagram). Her inspiration comes from her whakapapa and she is constantly seeking more information about herself and her future through her poetry and art.