Katie, her husband Alex and their two young children farm a 900ha sheep and beef breeding property alongside Katie's parents. The farm Rakaunui has been in the family since 1895, with Katie being the 5th generation. Katie studied a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Agriculture and Minor in Animal Science at Massey University. During her studies she worked on a dairy farm milking and raising calves and a research study grain feeding lambs. Following University Katie and Alex spent two years exploring Europe and the UK. She came home to the family farm in 2014. Currently Katie serves on the Pongaroa Home and School Committee alongside fulltime farming with her husband.

Rakaunui has a great history of pole planting for the last 50 years starting with Katies Grandfather. Katie is passionate about being a caretaker of the land and farming sustainably to provide a great platform for the next generation.