Arihia holds tribal affiliations to Whakatohea, Ngai Tai and Tainui, and is in her first term as a Board Member of Te Whakatohea Maori Trust Board. She is and active Trustee of Maori Land Blocks, and holds the Project Managers role for Whakatohea. Her previous work experience spans travel and tourism, and management and policy. She has worked within private and public sector organizations in Auckland Wellington & Rotorua.

In 2003 Arihia moved to Opotiki to care for elderly parents. Arihia says "My view of the world, small communities, and the people of Opotiki has changed drastically since moving to Opotiki six years ago. I thought firemen were firemen, not the local store owner and real estate man; the store owner was just the store owner, not the surf life saving club chair, rugby ref as well as being the fireman; and my fellow hapu member was just that - I didn't realise they were holders of the torch for over 10 years to see the aquaculture dream come true, with the vision to create jobs and wealth for our people for the long term."

Arihia is quick to say "I was not there when those dreams and visions began to take shape. But I am here today to share my observations as to how Whakatohea have reached this exciting phase of the development which has both local and global potential."