Ricky Houghton

Ricky Martin Houghton (7 April 1960 – 18 July 2022) was a Māori rangatira, entrepreneur, businessman and social service advocate.

[5] Houghton was a nephew to Graham Latimer, and spent a portion of his youth living with his uncle in Tinopai following his departure from state care via the Matua Whāngai programme.

Rosie Houghton is of Māori descent and is affiliated with the iwi of Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi; she is a descendant of Kupe-Nuku, Nukutawhiti, Rāhiri, Hineamaru and Te Ruki Kawiti.

[6] Houghton was known for his staunch advocacy for the wellbeing of Māori; he carried decades' worth of experience working with communities and held a number of certificates with the Institute of Directors and New Zealand College of Management.

Houghton sought to improve the quality of life for Māori families in the Auckland and Muriwhenua regions.