Join Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau and South Pacific Professional Engineering Excellence (SPPEEx) at He kura nā Rātā, He kura pūkaha: a wānanga to celebrate Māori in Engineering.
You'll experience whanaungatanga, share stories, build relationships and embrace the richness of mātauranga Māori – alongside technical excellence – at this unique wānanga.
The name He kura nā Rātā, He Kura Pūkaha pays homage to Rātā as an indigenous engineer and Master Waka Builder. It reflects the lessons he learnt to ensure his mahi worked in harmony with Tāne Mahuta and te taiāo – from harvesting the tree to building his waka and setting sail on the moana. These same lessons and mātauranga were passed down to our tupuna, to prepare them for their voyage through the Pacific from Hawaiki to Aotearoa.
Event details
Date: 4 – 5 September 2025
Where: Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland Engineering Faculty and Waipapa Marae
Cost: $600 incl GST
To support the wānanga, the Engineering New Zealand Foundation is offering a substantial discount for up to 80 attendees. Use the code FOUNDATION in the promotional code field at checkout to access your discount. Be quick – the discount is strictly limited to 80 tickets.

Te Rārangi Kaupapa | Event programme
Two days of engaging, interactive and illuminating sessions. View the programme to get the when, the where and the who – and see just how much you’re set to take from the wānanga.

Te Kāhui Māngai | Speakers and panellists
Meet the inspiring people ready to make your experience unforgettable. Leaders, experts and passionate advocates who push for a profession that’s more inclusive for Māori – and know what it takes to make meaningful change.

Whanaungatanga | Opportunities
Get more from your experience by attending two evening events – the welcoming and networking function (sponsored by Beca) and the official wānanga dinner.

Te Kāhui Tautoko | Partners and supporters
We tautoko all the generous partners who’ve jumped at the chance to get involved with this wānanga. Their support ensures that the experience is kept rich and costs are kept down. With warm gratitude to Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland for generously hosting this event.
