Te Kāhui Māngai Speakers and panellists

Amadonna Jakeman

Keynote speaker

Amadonna Jakeman (Ngāti Te Tarawa, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Maniapoto, Tainui) is a researcher, strategist, and advocate for Māori-led solutions grounded in whakapapa and mātauranga. With over two decades of experience across iwi, education, health, and environmental sectors, her work centres on whānau wellbeing and rangatiratanga. Her MA thesis explored Te Tangi o Kawiti, highlighting Māori engineering and tactical brilliance at Ruapekapeka. Amadonna brings deep cultural insight to strategic planning, governance, and community development.

Peata Larkin

Keynote speaker

Peata Larkin (Te Arawa, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is a contemporary artist whose work weaves together Māori and Western knowledge systems, exploring the intersections of art, science, and spirituality. With a Master of Fine Arts from RMIT and a BFA from Elam, her large-scale public commissions include works for ANZ Tower, Park Hyatt, and the International Conference Centre. Peata’s practice reflects a deep connection to whakapapa and whenua, creating hybrid forms that honour both tradition and innovation.

Eruera Lee-Morgan

Panel moderator

Eruera Lee-Morgan (Te Arawa, Pare-Hauraki, Pare-Waikato) is Pou Ārahi Māori Cultural Leader at Stantec, leading Te Ao Māori integration across planning, design and delivery. With 30+ years in media and 18 years working with iwi, he brings deep expertise in Māori language revitalisation, tikanga, and broadcasting. Eruera champions Pūrākau (storytelling, listening, and story work) as a core practice. His mahi reflects a lifelong commitment to cultural consciousness, equity and Māori-led solutions grounded in whakapapa and customary knowledge.

Dr Te Kīpa Kēpa Brian Morgan DistFEngNZ

Keynote speaker

Dr Kēpa Morgan (Ngāti Pikiao, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahungūnu, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāi Tahu) is Pou Hautū of Mahi Maioro Professionals and a Distinguished Fellow of Engineering New Zealand. His Mauri Model work earned IPENZ’s Supreme Technical Award and the Furkert Award in 2016. Kēpa has held chief executive roles with three Iwi and academic positions, including Associate Dean Māori for Engineering at the University of Auckland. He co-founded SPPEEx, serving as inaugural president and life member, and is co-chair of Te Pūkenga Koeke ō Ngāti Pikiao.

Tyrone Newson FEngNZ

Panellist

Tyrone Newson (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu, Tongan) was raised in Kaitaia and is passionate about using engineering to uplift Māori and Pasifika communities. He co-founded SPIES in 1992, developed Pacific Island engineering resources, and became Director and CEO of Te Puna Topu o Hokianga Trust. Tyrone also co-founded SPPEEx and is a Chartered Professional Engineer. After a decade overseas, he led major Te Rarawa projects, including a $3M reservoir and $29M subdivision. Now CEO of Ngāti Awa Group Holdings, he blends engineering with mātauranga Māori for community success.

Hirini Reedy

Keynote speaker

Hirini Reedy (Ngāti Porou) is a Māori engineer and environmentalist who integrates traditional knowledge with a BE(Hons) in Civil Engineering and a Master of Philosophy. A former NZ Army Officer, he served as Captain Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General and advised on establishing Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the NZ Army culture. As a sole operator, Hirini blends eco-spirituality, Māori intelligence, and global insight in his work locally and abroad. He has walked the length of Aotearoa and undertaken other significant journeys for aroha, peace, and the planet.

Stan Schwalger FEngNZ

Panellist

Stan Schwalger (Samoan), based in Auckland and schooled in Samoa, is a Civil Infrastructure manager with over 35 years’ experience across New Zealand and the Pacific. He holds an NZCE from Carrington, a BE Civil from the University of Auckland, and a Diploma in Business Management from Deakin. Stan co-founded SPIES in 1992 and supported SPPEEx’s launch in 2003. He serves on UniTec’s Industry Advisory Group and the Strategic Review Group for Pasifika in Construction. He champions Māori and Pasifika wellbeing through project delivery and mentoring engineers.

Katie Wolfe

Keynote speaker

Katie Wolfe (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Toa Rangatira) is a celebrated director, writer, and actor from Aotearoa, known for The Haka Party Incident, Waru, and Redemption. With a career spanning film, television, and theatre, she brings powerful Māori narratives to life across genres. A passionate advocate for diversity in the arts, Katie champions greater representation of wāhine and Māori voices. Her work blends creative excellence with cultural integrity, inspiring future storytellers to embrace their identity and shape the industry.

James Burley

Panellist, welcoming and networking function

James Burley (Tapuika, Tūhourangi) is an Associate Structural Engineer at Beca with over 10 years’ experience. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, he leads complex projects and a multidisciplinary team. As a Kaiwhakatere in Te Ahi Tūtata, Beca’s Māori business rōpū, James weaves Te Ao Māori into engineering practice. He is passionate about embedding cultural narratives into design, ensuring the aspirations of tangata whenua are reflected in the built environment through structures that honour both technical excellence and cultural integrity.

Jackie Colliar

Panellist

Jackie Colliar (Ngaati Mahuta, Waikato) is an environmental engineer, researcher, and infrastructure strategist with over 20 years’ experience across public and private sectors. She is Strategic Waters Infrastructure – Unit Manager at Hamilton City Council, focusing on three-waters infrastructure and strategic planning. Jackie serves as Deputy Chair of the Waikato-Tainui executive board (Te Arataura), and holds governance roles with WEL Networks, CityCare Group, and the Waikato River Authority. Her mahi reflects a deep commitment to Te Ture Whaimana, climate resilience, and iwi-led environmental restoration.

Wharehuia Dixon

Panellist

Wharehuia Dixon (Ngāti Awa) is a Senior Associate Civil Engineer at Beca, specialising in airport infrastructure. A staunch advocate for te reo Māori, he serves as a kaiwhakatere within Te Ahi Tūtata, Beca’s Māori business rōpū. Wharehuia blends technical expertise with cultural insight, championing the integration of te ao Māori into engineering practice. His work fosters industry transformation, supports Māori engineers, and inspires rangatahi to see te reo Māori as a powerful professional skill shaping Aotearoa’s future.

Rupert Hodson

Keynote Speaker, welcoming and networking function

Rupert Hodson (Tauiwi) has 27 years’ experience in city planning, including work on the Northern Busway and Eden Park redevelopment. Schooled in infrastructure leadership, he’s part of Auckland Council’s Regional Deal Leadership Group. For seven years, Rupert led Beca’s Northern Regional team of 1400, delivering integrated outcomes across infrastructure. He’s currently seconded as Executive Director of the Committee for Auckland and sits on Infrastructure NZ’s Advisory Council. Rupert brings a holistic view of Aotearoa’s infrastructure challenges and advocates for its role in building a strong economy and diverse communities.

Eru Kapa-Kingi

Keynote speaker

Eru Kapa-Kīngi (Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi, Waikato, Te Whānau a Apanui) grew up in Te Tai Tokerau, where He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi were born. A kaipupuru of their mauri, he walks a path of reclamation and politicisation. Eru is a pāpā, kaupapa carrier, organiser, and holder of kōrero and wānanga. He teaches at the University of Auckland Faculty of Law and is a spokesperson for Toitū Te Tiriti. E tika ana te kōrero a Te Atua Wera, he rua rau tau ka hipa i te tāmoko o Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ka ara ake ko te pono ki te whakatikatika i ngā mea katoa, meanei te reanga o te pono te maranga ake nei!

Keoni Mahelona

Keynote speaker

Keoni Mahelona (kanaka ʻōiwi) is the driving force behind the development of digital technologies that aim to protect and promote indigenous languages and knowledge. He makes decisions every day to protect the sovereignty of platforms and data, from the digital and machine learning tools deployed for advanced applications to the storage and sharing of data in culturally appropriate and secure ways.

Kingi Makaore

Panellist, welcoming and networking function

Kingi Makaore (Ngāti Whātua) is a Māori cultural consultant and advisor dedicated to the empowerment of iwi and communities. He brings expertise in facilitation, mediation, and project management. With a strong foundation in Māori performing arts, Kingi is a passionate cultural host, narrator, and educator who shares Māori history and tikanga to foster shared understanding and drive impactful outcomes on projects that advance Aotearoa.

Teresa Poli

Keynote speaker

Teresa Poli (Ngāi Tuhoe) has followed a non-traditional engineering path and now works as a Māori Strategy Consultant at Aurecon. Schooled in environmental engineering and deeply connected to her whakapapa and Te Ao Māori, Teresa weaves these perspectives across engineering, education, and infrastructure. She is passionate about championing Māori outcomes and guiding others on that journey. Her work reflects a commitment to integrating mātauranga Māori with technical practice, creating spaces where cultural values and engineering excellence come together for meaningful impact.

Te Ari Prendergast

Panellist, welcoming and networking function

Te Ari Prendergast (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is an Associate Principal and design leader at WAM within Te Matakīrea. With deep experience in architectural and urban design, including post-quake Christchurch, Te Ari specialises in realising iwi aspirations through culturally grounded design. He believes architecture should engage the senses, foster connection and restore landscape integrity. For Te Ari, every project is an opportunity to heal whenua and support the transformation of indigenous communities through authentic, values-led design.

Daisy Redai

Panel moderator, welcoming and networking function

Daisy Redai (Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui) is a Senior Project Manager at Beca with expertise in project, change, and client management. She previously led Te Ahi Tūtata, Beca’s Māori Business Unit, contributing to its early development. Daisy also serves as Kaiwhatu for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, shaping the cultural narrative for Te Paeroa o Te Kawau and co-authoring the Beca Waiata. This mahi has been deeply rewarding, reconnecting her with whakapapa and reinforcing the importance of embedding Te Ao Māori perspectives in engineering practice.

Andrea Rickard

Panellist

Andrea Rickard (Tauiwi) is Managing Director NZ at Beca and President of ACENZ, with over 25 years’ experience in strategic advisory, assurance, and infrastructure delivery. She has led major projects across transport, water, waste, and climate resilience. Andrea champions collaborative frameworks and inclusive environments, particularly for women in infrastructure. A signatory to Beca’s Te Tiriti Position Statement, she played a key role in establishing Te Ahi Tūtata. Andrea believes infrastructure shapes vibrant, resilient communities and is passionate about Beca’s legacy in Aotearoa.

Deena Tapara

Panellist

Deena Tapara (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Hāua, Te Ati Haunui-ā-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Tuwharetoa) is a Civil and Environmental Engineer based in Taumarunui. She works as both Project Manager and Pou Tikanga at Stellar Projects, contributing to large-scale infrastructure and community initiatives. Her career highlight is supporting Marae and Papakāinga developments. Raised through Kōhanga Reo, Kura Māori, and St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College, Deena credits her work ethic to her whānau, marae, and kura. Her aspiration is to use her skills to awhi her whānau, hapū, and iwi.

Dr Richard Templer FEngNZ

Panellist

Richard Templer (Tauiwi) became Chief Executive of Engineering New Zealand in November 2020, following his role as Chief Executive of Manawatū District Council. A Fellow with a PhD in mechanical engineering, his career spans private industry, central and local government, and industry organisations. Richard is passionate about the role engineers play in addressing New Zealand’s challenges—economic, social, environmental, and equity-related. He believes Engineering New Zealand is uniquely positioned to support its members and contribute meaningfully to building a better Aotearoa.

Makaore Beavan Wilson

Panel moderator

Makaore Wilson (Te Āti Awa, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō) leads Aurecon’s efforts to deliver safe, effective outcomes for Māori across the organisation and with partners. With over 15 years in cultural leadership and engagement, he supports innovation in Te Ao Māori and digital technology. Makaore is known for advancing professional development, te reo and tikanga, and digital literacy. He brings strategic expertise in complex stakeholder and mana whenua negotiations, using grounded, culturally sensitive approaches to guide organisational change and growth.

Richard Waiwai

Panellist

Richard Waiwai (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana) is the Chief of Māori Strategy and Relationships at Watercare. With decades of experience spanning iwi, government, and consultancy, Richie is a leading advocate for embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and Māori aspirations into infrastructure and water reform. His career includes pivotal roles in the Ministry of Justice, Te Kooti Whenua Māori, Waitangi Tribunal, Three Waters Reform programme, and the Department of Conservation.

Aimee Matiu

Panel moderator

Aimee Matiu (Ngāti Here, Ngāi Tūpoto ki Motukaraka, Te Rarawa ki Hokianga, Ngāpuhi) works to embed mana i te whenua values into decision-making, aligning tangata whenua priorities with regulatory frameworks. With expertise in te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and Te Tiriti, she facilitates multi-disciplinary teams, identifies cultural values, and supports iwi aspirations. Aimee transforms complex concepts into engaging learning experiences that deepen understanding and shift thinking, ensuring Māori perspectives are authentically reflected across environmental and strategic planning.

Tom Irvine

Panellist

Tom Irvine (Ngāti Whātua) is Tumu Whakarae (CEO) of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Maia and Acting Director of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. He brings extensive leadership experience across iwi development, stakeholder engagement, and commercial operations. Tom is deeply connected to its people and kaupapa. His mahi reflects a commitment to kaupapa Māori, civic collaboration, and uplifting whānau through social, cultural, and environmental initiatives. Tom is a proud Pāpā and Koro with a deep love for Tāmaki Makaurau.

Gianna Bean

Panellist

Gianna Bean (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu) is a Graduate Water Engineer at Watercare Services Ltd, with a BE(Hons) in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the University of Auckland. Passionate about rangatahi empowerment and environmental stewardship, Gianna co-led Watercare’s first Youth Summit and Hackathon, inspiring future kaitiaki of wai. A proud alumnus of SPIES, she champions Māori and Pasifika success in engineering and encourages tauira to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose: “Mā te rangatahi te ao e ārahi – Let the youth lead the world.”

Ariana George

Panellist

Ariana George (Te Rarawa) is currently in her penultimate year of a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Māori Studies at the University of Auckland. She serves as Co-Vice President of SPIES (South Pacific Indigenous Engineering Students) and is passionate about creating space for Māori and Pasifika voices within engineering. Ariana is especially interested in integrating mātauranga Māori into engineering and decision-making, and hopes to contribute to projects that uphold the values, aspirations and resilience of whānau, hapū and iwi.

Alyce Lysaght

Panellist

Alyce Lysaght (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Pākehā) is an Infrastructure Advisor at Manatū Aorere | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade focusing on infrastructure delivery in the Pacific, and the creator of the Māori in Engineering podcast. With a BE(Hons) in Natural Resources Engineering and a Diploma in Global Humanitarian Engineering, Alyce champions Te Ao Māori in engineering to better sustain te taiao. A former Engineering New Zealand Board member and Fulton-Downer Silver Medal recipient, she advocates for rangatahi, equity and cultural inclusion. Alyce’s mahi uplifts Māori and indigenous voices and inspires future leaders to walk confidently in both worlds.

Ratu Mataira

Keynote speaker

Ratu Mataira (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu) completed his PhD at the Robinson Research Institute, where he discovered a novel application of OpenStar’s enabling technology. He went on to found New Zealand’s first fusion technology company, building a team of over 60 engineers, scientists, and experts. OpenStar achieved first plasma with a prototype built entirely in their Wellington facility. The team’s goal is to develop machines capable of delivering grid-scale electricity that is safe, abundant, and affordable –transforming energy generation for Aotearoa and beyond.

Dr. Mahonri Owen

Keynote speaker

Dr. Mahonri Owen (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waikato. His research in neural prosthetics explores brain-controlled assistive technologies to improve life for amputees. Mahonri integrates mātauranga Māori into his work, inspiring Māori students in STEM. His journey began with a transformative overseas placement in 2008 and includes leading roles in Pūhoro STEMM and international teaching. His work bridges robotics, biomechanics, and cultural heritage to empower indigenous communities.

Robbie Paul

Keynote speaker

Robbie Paul (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine) is a leader in advancing Māori talent in STEMM, with over 20 years dedicated to empowering Māori communities. His career spans military service, infrastructure development, and education. As Poumatua at Waihanga Ara Rau, he drives initiatives linking construction, infrastructure, and workforce development. Robbie has worked across private and iwi-led projects, strengthening Māori leadership in key sectors. He champions the integration of Mātauranga Māori with STEMM innovation, ensuring inclusive, future-focused outcomes for whānau, hapū, and iwi across Aotearoa.

L’Rey Renata

Panel moderator

L’Rey Renata (Ngāpuhi, Tainui, Ngāi Te Rangi) is a water engineer at GHD and a doctoral candidate redefining engineering best practice through a Te Ao Māori lens. Her work blends mātauranga Māori, technical expertise, and industry insight to prioritise the wellbeing of wai and whānau. Raised in South Auckland, L’Rey’s journey is shaped by resilience, community support, and a passion for humanitarian impact. She contributes to multiple boards and forums, paving the way for Māori leadership in engineering and education.

Sir Ian Taylor

Keynote speaker

Sir Ian Taylor CNZM (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi) is a pioneering innovator and founder of Animation Research Ltd, a world-leading sports graphics company. Born in Kaeo and raised in Raupunga, he began as a TV presenter before launching Taylormade Media and transforming digital storytelling. A Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and Technology Hall of Fame inductee, Sir Ian inspires with bold, purpose-driven thinking. He turned COVID disruption into opportunity and challenges convention with authenticity, vision, and his signature “don’t see why not!” mindset.

Amy Tea

Panellist

Amy Tea (Tangata Tiriti, Pākehā ) is Director of ATCL Search, a bespoke executive search firm placing exceptional leaders for social good across Aotearoa. With over 20 years’ experience in governance and executive recruitment, she brings deep insight into leadership capability, board composition, and the evolving demands of impact-driven roles. Amy focuses on transformation, equity, and bicultural partnership, supporting kaupapa Māori organisations and fostering leadership pathways. She is committed to aligning talent with purpose and will share her perspective on the future of Māori careers through her extensive sector experience.

Jarrod Telford

Panellist

Jarrod Telford (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Whakatōhea) is Pou Matua Māori at Downer NZ, leading cultural strategy and Māori programmes across the organisation. A former carpenter turned Kaihautū, Jarrod champions Te Ao Māori integration in leadership, governance and development. He facilitates Te Ara Whanake and Te Ara Māramatanga, transformative wānanga that uplift Māori identity and leadership. With a background in construction, sport and Māori strategic development, Jarrod is a passionate advocate for equity, cultural capability and creating pathways for Māori to thrive in both worlds.

Haukapuanui Vercoe

Keynote speaker

Haukapuanui Vercoe (Te Arawa, Tūwharetoa, Raukawa, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāi Tahu) is an emerging Māori researcher in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The University of Auckland. Currently a PhD candidate, his research focuses on improving marae resilience in the face of natural hazards and climate change. A product of his time in kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa and marae, Haukapuanui draws from his cultural and engineering backgrounds to contribute to and enhance the understanding of research that is particularly relevant to Māori communities.

Jessica Wood-Waikari

Panellist

Jessica Wood-Waikari (Ngāti Porou) is Chief Financial Officer at Nōna Te Ao Charitable Trust, where she leads programme design, partnerships, and financial strategy to uplift rural rangatahi Māori. With a background in commercial law, Māori studies, and international business, Jessica brings deep expertise in strategic planning and change management. Formerly with KPMG, she has advised diverse organisations across Aotearoa. Passionate about Māori and Pacific success, Jessica mentors emerging professionals and champions education, equity, and community development through kaupapa that empower future leaders.