Staff Profile – Anna Poyhonen

She’s a Hong Kong native who discovered her passion for the thoroughbred industry just a few years ago. Meet Anna Poyhonen, a member of Waikato Stud’s yearling team.

Q Where are you from and what brought you to New Zealand?
A My parents are from Finland but I was born and brought up in Hong Kong. I was living in Australia before here and when my visa ran out, it seemed logical to jump across the pond and see what NZ had to offer.

Q How long have you been at Waikato Stud and what has your role been over the past few months?
A I’ve been here for 6 months now and have been a part of the yearling crew.

Q Most memorable WS moment so far?
A Seeing the horses at Karaka go above and beyond everyone’s expectations was really quite special.

Q Who was your favorite yearling in Waikato Stud’s 2019 Karaka Yearling draft?
A I had a real soft spot for the Kazemi x Savabeel filly – she had bucket loads of personality and her quirks made me smile all through the prep.

Q What is your biggest guilty pleasure? 
A Marathons of The Real Housewives of NY accompanied by a sizable glass of rose.

Q Biggest life accomplishment?
A After trying to make about 20 different career paths work for me, my move to Australia and finding my feet and passion in the thoroughbred industry was a total game changer.

Q What is something not many people know about you?
A My greatest ambition up until a few years ago was to be a theatre producer in London.

Q Best piece of advice?
A Just do you.