Traci Houpapa
Agribusiness leader and company director recently listed as one of the world’s most inspirational and influential women by the BBC. The chairwoman of Land Corp and the Federation of Maori Authorities starts each day at 3am was
What was your childhood like?
I had an idyllic childhood on a sheep and beef farm in the King Country. Mum’s German Yugoslav and Dad was Maori; Waikato, Maniapoto, Taranaki and Tuwharetoa. I’m one of four kids. We grew up going to Maori land meetings. Dad was instrumental in bringing Lands and Survey-operated properties back into Maori management in the 80s. I remember our teacher telling us when our Taumarunui incorporation was returned in 1981, “This is part of history” but when you’re a teenager you don’t realise the significance.
What did you want to be growing up?
A policeman, bee keeper or lighthouse keeper. A couple of people in my early life were important in setting me on my path. Anihera Henry gave me my first job helping her set up Kohanga Reo around the central North Island. My guidance counsellor Pete Wikaira encouraged me to gain broad experience before making a career call so I was a tour guide on the Whanganui River, a rousey in a shearing gang, a lab technician and a social worker. Then I came home to work for our Maori Trust Board as ops manager and chief executive.
Did you have any qualifications for these roles?
No, I just learnt on the job. I had people who were generous with their time and helped me. It wasn’t until I started consulting that I decided it was time to get an MBA.
How did you become a board director?
My first appointment was to Te Uranga B2, the Maori authority my Dad bought back. From there I was asked to sit on the board of Strada, a construction company owned by the Waikato District Council where I learnt how politics affects business and the importance of stakeholder communication. I was soon asked to sit on other boards and my career in governance sprung from there.
You currently sit on 11 different boards of corporations, councils, authorities and foundations. How do you fit everything in?
I couldn’t do the hours and the travel I do if I wasn’t fit and healthy. I get up at 3am every day, check my emails and go for a 5km run. I’d be on the road three or four days a week but I’m home most nights and in bed by 9pm.
You served on the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic netball board