Welcoming Lloyd Rakaupai - Māori & Pasifika Business Leader
Tell us about yourself and where you grew up. What part of Aotearoa are you from?
Ko Tongariro te maunga
Ko Taupō-nui-a-Tia te moana
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Te Heuheu te tangata
Ko Ngāti Tūwharetoa te iwi
Ko Ngāti Hinemihi te hapu
Ko Kauriki te marae
Ko Lloyd Tane Mahuta Rakaupai tōku ingoa
Tongariro lo’u Mauga
Taupō-nui-a-Tia lo’u Vaitafe
Te Arawa lo’u va'a
Te Heuheu le Sa’o
Ngāti Tūwharetoa lo’u itūmālō
Ngāti Hinemihi lo’u Nu’u
Kauriki lo’u Fa’asinomaga
Lloyd Tane Mahuta Rakaupai lo’u igoa
Tongariro is the mountain
Taupō-nui-a-Tia is the lake
Te Arawa is the canoe
Te Heuheu is our chieftain
Ngāti Tūwharetoa is the tribe
Ngāti Hinemihi is the sub-tribe
Kauriki is the place of connection
Lloyd Tane Mahuta Rakaupai is my name
Tell us about your role with GHD
My role is the Kaihautū Pakihi Māori ā-Motu, Māori & Pasifika Business Leader. I’m based in Tauranga Moana, focusing on fostering closer connections and partnerships across New Zealand and the Pacific with Māori and Pasifika communities and businesses. I will also be championing further integration of Te Ao Māori and Teu Le Va principles in everything we do.
I'm looking forward to the work ahead and can’t wait to explore how we can integrate these principles more deeply into GHD and support Te Tiriti o Waitangi, whilst striving for greater equity.
What are you excited most about your role with GHD?
I’m excited about being able to collaborate with everyone at all levels across the business. Witnessing the genuine openness and enthusiasm from everyone in the organisation to embrace and learn the Te Ao Māori and Teu Le Va principles is refreshing. GHD are already on their journey and I’m looking forward to diving in and working alongside them!
Who or what has inspired your career?
Growing up on a marae, I was influenced by my kaumātua and kuia, my elders, who guided our community with love and support. Their leadership by example left a lasting mark on me as they consistently prioritised the needs of others above their own, that built confidence and trust in the community. I’ve learnt a lot from them and I align this inspiration in everything I do, particularly in collaborative and leadership roles. For me, it's not about managing a team but by tackling everything alongside them.
What motivates you in your professional world?
My motivation comes from my family, community, hapu and iwi. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to work closely with businesses in my local communities. Witnessing the impact of this support on their businesses, and subsequently on their families, brings me so much joy. This is my greatest source of motivation.
How would you describe your leadership/working style?
I would call myself a ‘servant leader’. I find fulfillment in helping others to flourish rather than prioritising my own success. I believe in walking alongside those I lead, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone's growth is valued equally.
What are some of the challenges you have had to overcome to get to where you are today?
There are some challenges I’ve faced when navigating the world view of Te Ao Māori and Teu Le Va principles as it may sometimes be misunderstood. However, I’ve been enjoying the journey to educate and mentor those who are genuinely curious and open to learning about it!
What has been the proudest moment of your career?
To be completely honest, becoming a part of the GHD whanau is a milestone in my career journey. I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to be the Māori & Pasifika Business Leader for GHD.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Good things take time. Take things one step at a time.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Whakaiti i te whakatakataka, ārahi i te ngākau, whakaritea e te hūnga kei tata i a koe, ka whai painga koe.
O le ala I le pule o le tautua
Be humble in your approach, lead with the heart, be guided by those around you, and you will succeed.
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About GHD
GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.