Māori and Pasifika engineers leading with integrity

Across Aotearoa, a new generation of engineering consultants is quietly reshaping an industry long defined by conventional practices.

Guided by kaupapa Māori and Pasifika values, these businesses are combining innovation, community focus, and cultural grounding to build a more resilient future.   

For these businesses, engineering is about more than technical expertise. It is about respect for people, whenua, and future generations. 

Michael Cutfield, Director and Licensed Cadastral Surveyor at Ruri Whenua, says their business brings a unique approach to surveying by grounding their technical expertise in kaupapa Māori values.

At Civil Lab Group Tautua Ltd, Managing Director Kelly Kepu is forging a path as the only known Pasifika-owned soil laboratory in Aotearoa. "We provide material testing services to the construction and infrastructure sector, and we're training Pasifika youth to build capability within our industry," she says. 

At Ruru, kaupapa Māori principles are integrated with modern technology to accelerate and enhance engineering outcomes. "We utilise the knowledge of our tūpuna to decolonise the engineering method," says Lochlan Hynd, Director of Ruru. "Through integrating tikanga and using AI and custom tools, we deliver high-quality engineering designs faster, allowing us to focus deeply on community risks and outcomes." 

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Adam Donaldson, Director of Neuflow Projects, leads the only project management company in New Zealand dedicated solely to water and wastewater, with kaupapa Māori embedded at its foundation. "Water is becoming central to conversations across industries and communities," he says. "It’s exciting to see that awareness growing and to be part of those conversations." 

Adapting to change 

While each business offers distinct services, they are united by a focus on community impact, innovation, and building opportunities for rangatahi. Together, they are navigating significant shifts in the engineering sector. 

Skills shortages are a common concern. 

"The skills shortage is a major concern for the entire engineering industry," says Kelly Kepu of Civil Lab Group Tautua Ltd. "If we want to increase Māori and Pasifika representation, we need targeted strategies to encourage more into engineering pathways and create inclusive environments where they can thrive." 

Brodie Stopforth, Managing Director of Think Big Solutions, whose business specialises in manufacturing and healthcare facilities project management, echoes concerns about the shortages.  "We will have a big shortage of skilled professionals in the next 10 to 15 years. Science and maths struggle to be 'cool', we need to change that," he says. 

Emily Afoa, Director at Tektus, a Māori-owned civil engineering, environment, and planning firm, says smaller practices often face additional challenges when it comes to attracting staff.  “As a small practice, we’re often competing with larger firms to attract and retain Māori and Pasifika engineers,” she says. “We can’t always offer the same incentives, things like scholarships and highly structured graduate programmes.  But what we do offer is a values-led environment and a real purpose in the work we do. Our small team offers a sense of belonging and a dynamic work environment engaging in a variety of roles, to grow diverse experiences and skills.” 

Changing economic conditions are also prompting greater collaboration between suppliers. 
"Given the challenges facing industries, we are seeing a greater motivation to collaborate across the supplier market," says Maurice Banse Director of Resonate Solutions NZ, a 100 percent Māori and Pasifika-owned company delivering culturally informed and technically advanced project management and engineering solutions. 

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Sustainability and water management are also becoming central themes. 

"A significant trend shaping the sector is the increasing adoption of sustainable construction practices," says Michael Cutfield from Ruri Whenua.  

"Water is becoming a key topic of conversation across industries and communities in a way it hasn’t before," says Adam Donaldson of Neuflow Projects. 

For many Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses, these trends create opportunities to lead with cultural integrity.  
 
"We're seeing iwi and trusts extend their development portfolios, providing warm, dry homes for their members," says Lochlan Hynd of Ruru. "Collaboration with iwi trusts and international partners will create true waka hourua for the future." 

Amotai’s role: connections that matter 

Amotai’s support has been a key factor in helping many of these businesses grow their networks and capabilities. 

"Amotai has provided us with invaluable connections to likeminded organisations and access to networks we wouldn't otherwise have had," says Michael Cutfield. 

"It’s opened doors to new clients and strengthened our market position," says Kelly Kepu. 

Keith Middleton, Founder and Managing Director of Middleton Group says Amotai’s support was instrumental in establishing Middleton Group’s presence in Aotearoa. "Being part of Amotai’s supplier network raised our profile and helped us build essential relationships," he says.  

For Ruru, the connections made through Amotai have been transformational. 
"Working alongside Amotai, we have been able to connect with councils and buyers at a deeper, more meaningful level," says Lochlan Hynd. "Their support has helped us showcase the excellence that diverse suppliers can deliver." 

The network has also helped suppliers like David Hoffman, Director of Hoffcon, a Pasifika co-owned business providing design and delivery services for the infrastructure sector, to explore new opportunities for larger projects. 

"Amotai has helped us understand the other businesses available to collaborate with.

Reuben Franks, Director of Concept Hydraulic Consultants, says their work in hydraulic design has benefitted from Amotai connections but there is still a desire for deeper project opportunities. 
 
"We’ve met some main contractors through Amotai events," he says. "We’d love to see even more structured pathways between suppliers and project opportunities." 

While there is a collective desire to see even more structured procurement pathways, there is strong recognition that Amotai has already helped shift the dial. 

A bright future ahead 

Despite the challenges, there is strong optimism about the future of Māori and Pasifika in engineering. 

"The future of Māori and Pasifika in engineering is bright," says Keith Middleton of Middleton Group Engineering Aotearoa. 

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 "It’s innovative, grounded in kaupapa, and essential for shaping a resilient Aotearoa," says Michael Cutfield of Ruri Whenua. 

Lochlan Hynd of Ruru describes the future as "vibrant, strong, and exhilarating," with Māori design consultancies primed to deliver projects of all sizes.