Traci Houpapa

Co-Chairperson at Australia NZ Leaders Forum Indigenous Business Group

Chairperson Federation of Maori Authorities

Traci is an award winning company director and a recognised industry leader. She specialises in strategic and economic development advice to Maori, iwi, public and private sector clients throughout New Zealand. Traci is known for her strong and inclusive leadership and her clear focus on building the wealth and prosperity of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In 2012 Traci was named as one of the top ten most influential women in New Zealand agribusiness. In 2013 she was named amongst the Listener’s top ten influencers in New Zealand and was a finalist in the Fairfax Media Westpac Women of Influence Awards (“WOI”). In 2014, Traci won the WOI Board and Management award. In 2015, Westpac named Traci on its “NZ Women Powerbrokers” list. In 2016, Traci was awarded the Massey University Distinguished Alumni Service Award for services to agribusiness and Maori and named amongst the BBC's top 100 most influential women in the world.

Traci has been instrumental in raising the profile of Maori agribusiness across the primary industry sector, highlighting the significant contribution Maori entities and iwi asset holders make to the Business Growth Agenda and Export Double. She is also well known for her role in promoting the development of women’s leadership and diversity on boards.

Traci is also the Chairperson on the National Advisory Council for the Employment of Women; Deputy Crown Co-Chair of the Waikato River Authority; and a director of many more councils.

Traci has an MBA from Massey University and is a Member of the Order of New Zealand, a Justice of the Peace, and a Marriage Celebrant.