She was portrayed by Anna Jullienne from mid-2004 to early-2011, with the character starring in numerous high-profile storylines alongside her on screen family.

Arriving in mid-2004 as the travel partner of Victor's (Calvin Tuteao) daughter Jay Copeland (Jaime Passier-Armstrong), it was soon revealed the two were really lesbian lovers.

Maia participated in a major storyline in 2007 that saw her become pregnant with the help of her sister Tania's (Faye Smythe) husband, Mark (Tim Foley).

Anna Jullienne was also praised for her portrayal of Maia and won the Air New Zealand Screen Award for "Best Supporting Actress" in 2007.

In 2004 the family of established character, Victor Kahu (Calvin Tuteao) was expanded and his daughter, Jay Copeland (Jaime Passier-Armstrong) was introduced.

[3] Anna Jullienne auditioned for the role and was intrigued by the reactions other actors had to her sexuality, "The thing with Shortland Street is the public start to think you are your character.

[4][5][6] Despite undergoing a storyline where she murdered a man, in 2009 Jullienne assured viewers that Maia would continue on the show and would not be getting written off in the foreseeable future.

Maia arrived in Ferndale in with travel companion Jay Copeland (Jaime Passier-Armstrong) and she gets a job at Shortland Street Hospital.

Maia develops a crush on both Brooke Freeman (Beth Allen) and good friend, Alice Piper (Toni Potter).

When Alice's boyfriend Ethan (Owen Black) discovers Maia's secret, he publicly humiliates her and gets her suspended from work.

Maia goes to Opononi for a break and returns cheerful, with no knowledge of the murder but eventually has a breakdown once again which results in her being sectioned, under the Mental Health Act, by her sister Tania.

Maia received an overall mixed reception, with her and Jay winning runner up for "Most Boring Couple" in the Throng Shortland Street Fan Awards 2006.

[17] The characters civil union and the storyline that saw Jay cheat on Maia with a man was voted by fans as two of the show's most iconic moments.

[19] Anna Julliene won the "Air New Zealand Screen Award" for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Maia Jeffries throughout 2007.