Born in the village of Fagamalo on the island of Savai'ii in Samoa, Makerita went into theatre production with a background in radio journalism, publicity and marketing. After spending time overseas, she returned to NZ and set up the South Pacific Art Trust, providing Pacific arts training as well as freelancing in marketing and publicising Pacific Island productions, while at the same time working on various projects in theatre. As well as writing plays and a children's book, Makerita has produced numerous music videos and directed a documentary film on Samoan tatau (Tattoo).