Traci Houpapa (Waikato Maniapoto, Taranaki, Tūwharetoa) has been awarded the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Service Award by Massey University, for her work in raising the profile of Māori agribusiness across the primary industry sector. She has been a member of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga's Board for over 3 years, and is the Chair of Landcorp, the Chairperson of the Federation of Māori Authorities (FoMA), and a Tainui Executive Committee member.

She is the first woman to lead FoMA since it was established in 1987, and is committed to encouraging and promoting Māori participation in the countries economic development.

Traci specialises in strategy, advising Māori, iwi, public and private sector clients throughout New Zealand. She is an experienced company director, a recognised industry leader and holds a number of directorships and Ministerial appointments in Māori Development and the Primary Sector.

Our congratulations go to Traci for this recognition from Massey University and we acknowledge her ongoing work in serving not only her iwi and hapu, but also the wider Māori community.