4 Sep 2025
Māori have always been innovators and leaders – yet they remain underrepresented in the engineering profession. This September, we’re taking another step towards meaningful change as the engineering community comes together for He kura nā Rātā, He kura pūkaha – a ground-breaking two-day wānanga that will be the most significant celebration of Māori in engineering to date.
Hosted in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland by Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau, in partnership with Te Moana Nui A Kiwa Whakapūkahatanga Ihi - South Pacific Professional Engineering Excellence (SPPEEx), this wānanga will explore the past, present, and future of Māori in engineering. It will recognise the unique contributions of Māori to the profession and drive forward a future where Māori engineers thrive.
Dr Richard Templer, Chief Executive of Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau, says “This wānanga represents a powerful step towards a more inclusive and connected profession. We’re proud to partner with SPPEEx to bring together inspirational speakers, thought leaders, and staunch advocates who are shaping the future of engineering in Aotearoa. Every engineer deserves to be part of a profession that respects their identity and supports their aspirations.”
Among the keynote speakers is Dr Mahonri Owen (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waikato, who will speak on re-indigenising technology and engineering. Mahonri integrates kōrero tuku iho and mātauranga into his work, inspires Māori students in STEM and his work bridges robotics, biomechanics and cultural heritage to empower indigenous communities.
Another highlight is Eru Kapa-Kingi (Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi, Waikato, Te Whānau a Apanui), law lecturer and spokesperson for Toitū Te Tiriti, who will speak to the deep relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in engineering practice. His kōrero will challenge engineers to think critically about co-governance, rangatiratanga and what a Tiriti-honouring profession really looks like.
Troy Brockbank, SPPEEx Representative, says “Te Ao Māori and Kaupapa Māori needs to be an integral part of engineering in Aotearoa– not just through words, but through real, sustained action. SPPEEx last held a wānanga like this in 2007, so it’s exciting to bring this kaupapa back in partnership with Engineering New Zealand.”
This wānanga also builds on the Kimihia Rangahaua strategy, which guides Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau’s long-term vision to embed Māori values, knowledge systems and relationships at the heart of engineering in Aotearoa.
“We’re equipping the profession with the tools and understanding to honour Te Tiriti, partner with iwi and hapū, deliver Māori outcomes, and design engineering solutions that serve all New Zealanders,” says Troy.
Engineering New Zealand and SPPEEx also acknowledge the support of all our event partners, especially our generous hosts, Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland.
