Emily Chalk
In 1997, discus thrower Beatrice Faumuinā became New Zealand’s first-ever world athletics champion. The trailblazer competed at three Commonwealth and
four Olympic Games.
But while “Queen Bea” is best known to Kiwis for her exploits on the field, her careers in business leadership, governance and international relations have been equally impactful.
Chatting to Woman’s Weekly from the University of Auckland’s Business School, where she is director of the Kupe Leadership Scholarship, the 52-year-old explains some of the greatest lessons she’s learned came from the roles she was turned down for.
“Every time I was told, ‘It’s a no’, I went, ‘Well, a no to me means a next opportunity.’ I’m a firm believer in that if something is meant for you, it won’t walk past you.”
A Samoan only child born in West Auckland, Beatrice grew up in a household of three generations of Pasifika women and says she’s most grateful for her Christian faith and family. “They are the strength of everything that I do.”
How did being raised by your mum Roini and late grandmother shape you to succeed?
My favourite childhood moments were spending time with them, learning about life and understanding why the migration into this country was really important. I was constantly curious, much like today. I think the most valuable lesson from my grandmother was to always ask for help. Coaching and mentoring were happening at home, and I learned leadership was never in isolation. It’s shaped me in that today, when I speak to students, I encourage them to have the confidence to put their hand up, offer a comment or ask a question rather than waiting to be invited to contribute.
the gold medal after the World Champs in Athens in 1997.
Tell us about why you’ve become an ambassador for the Te Papa Foundation.
Te Papa is more than a museum. It is something fundamental to New Zealand’s history – the makeup of who we are as a country and how it will shape future generations. I met with Aaron Hape, Chair of Te Papa Foundation, and I was blown away when asked to be one of its first-ever ambassadors. I said, “I’m in, where do we begin?” And given my experience [as a trade commissioner and consul-general] based in New York, I want to connect with the arts community in North America, from both a philanthropy perspective and to grow the awareness of Te Papa. It’s one of the sectors that we haven’t yet grown. There are some incredible Kiwi donors who also support Te Papa’s education initiatives. For example, if a school group in Wellington wanted to visit, a bus would pick them up for free anywhere in Wellington to take them.
Describe a pinch-me moment while living in New York for several years.
On my first trip, I met someone on the plane who asked me where I was from and when I said “New Zealand”, she goes, “Oh, my boss used to be your prime minister.” And that is how I met the Right Honourable Helen Clark the week she was inducted into the United Nations. I remember sitting in her office completely overwhelmed because I’m in awe of what Helen has done. There have been so many moments like that, that have come through sheer coincidences when someone’s said, “I think you should have a conversation with this person.”
What was an introduction that changed the trajectory of your life?
Meeting my first-ever coach, the late Miriam Stanley, in October 1988. Back then, it was fairly challenging to find a coach in throwing events. There were very few. Mum had a conversation at work with Trevor Davies who was also one of the legends in athletics. He said, “I think I know someone,” and introduced us to Miriam, who lived five minutes away from us. I was in my first year at Lynfield College and I represented Auckland in track and field, softball and netball – but my aspiration was to be a Silver Fern. If it wasn’t for meeting Miriam, I know I wouldn’t have continued in athletics. She became family.
When Miriam died unexpectedly, was that your first experience of grief?
Yes, February 1995 and then my grandmother in January 1996. I had just turned 20, and lost two very loved and important women in my family. Nothing prepares you for it. It was a real moment in time when I sat there wondering, “How do I get through this and how do we help her husband Les as well?” The only thing we could do was go through every day of every week. Then athletics coach Max Carr kindly looked after me to maintain training.
How did you feel when sporting articles focused on the fact you wore makeup?
I went, “Thank you for the compliment, but it’s actually available for everyone!” And, “Have you seen my Mum?” She’s always immaculate and taught me when you leave the house, you’re representing your family. We have these labels which are really sad because there’s this insinuation of what you can and cannot be. I remember when I won my first world title there was almost this deterrent from achieving that because suddenly there was this focus on, “Wow, look at Beatrice’s nails and makeup.” Why should I not want to look good, feel good and present well? But I get it because not everyone has had the upbringing I’ve had.
You make an interesting distinction between failure and disappointment. Which experience taught you that?
The first one was the 1996 Olympics – being ranked in the top 10 in the world but coming home less than 10th in the world. And the realisation of how much more work is required to keep competing with the best. I look back at that and it gave me the best learning ever… “If you really want this, Beatrice, you’ve got to put in more time.” While everyone talks about failure, I talk about the ability to live through disappointment. Here’s my distinction. Failure, for me, is when someone just turns up and expects things to happen for them. You fail to prepare, so prepare to fail. But when you’ve prepared and you just miss the mark, the only way you’re ever going to know that is because you tried.
You seem like someone who’s always said yes to opportunities (hello Dancing with the Stars!) even if it’s scary…
I actually prefer to be outside my comfort zone! It tests me, but also I get excited about what I’m going to learn from this experience. I think it’s because I’ve been the only child and I’ve always enjoyed being in an uncomfortable position.
How is ageing treating you?
I said to my doctor recently, “Now that I’m in the 50- plus group, what excitement do I have ahead of me?” As you go through all the different hormonal changes this age brings, you have to give yourself that reminder to just breathe. You’re not doing this in isolation because so many other women are going through it too. I have conversations with the girls, like, “Hey, I have this symptom this week – have you experienced it?” or, “What is everyone doing now for treatment? What’s worked for you?” I am aware that every decade there is a new chapter of health and wellbeing that one needs to learn, observe and be open to.
Where do you do a lot of your thinking?
In the gym, when I’m lifting weights is where I do my “brain dump” as I call it. I think about strategies, key outcomes and determine what’s urgent and what can wait. I don’t lift heavy any more, so I call it a maintenance programme. I’m in the gym, two or three times a week. I once felt like I needed to be there every day to get the benefits, but I’ve actually told myself I don’t need to do that any more and I think it’s healthy to know that rest is absolutely vital.
Is your mum a shining example of how to stay purposeful as you age?
Absolutely! She’s in her eighties and still driving and at the pool. She is one of the most active people I’ve ever met. When I look at what she achieves, I go, “Oh, I can do that too.” She’s not only my best friend – she’s also that for a lot of people.
Are there times when you’re in complete hysterics together?
Sometimes we’ll be at church or at a café and hear comments, and it takes one look at each other, we’ll instantly know what the other’s thinking and we’ll end up laughing until Mum goes, “Sssh!” I don’t have children, but I love seeing that same interaction with my friends and their children.
Explain your mum’s ethos of the family that eats together, stays together…
Because we are people of faith, the richness of a meal together is the offering of thanks. But also that you have these conversations around the table that you wouldn’t get otherwise because not all conversations are easy. On the cuisine side of things, Mum celebrated her 80th birthday by cooking every single favourite Pacific dish. We offered to help, but she’s particular about how she wants things prepared.
Have you contemplated writing your autobiography? I have been asked to write a book, but I still believe I’m living a lot of the chapters.
Is there anything readers might be surprised to know about you? Do you secretly have tattoos?
No tattoos! Actually, from a Pacific perspective, tatau for me is a traditional storyline that’s given and bestowed with the utmost respect for the person who adorns it for the family. Our late grandfather had tatau that represented his entire villages.
What will 85-year-old Beatrice be doing?
Still telling stories, still being active, still attending church and still learning.
Hosted by Webb’s, the Te Papa Foundation has gathered an incredible array of items to bid on in its annual fundraising auction, including a year’s supply of Fix & Fogg peanut butter or an exclusive lunch with Olympian Beatrice Faumuinā CNZM OLY. The auction runs from November 9 to 25. Make a bid at tepapa.nz/foundationauction
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