Māori in Engineering

The beginning of a new chapter! The Māori in Engineering podcast is now in the hands of Mia Tamahori and Amani Tilialo. In this episode, Alyce interviews them about who they are and their goals for the podcast kaupapa. Mia Tamahori (Ngāti Porou) and Amani Tilialo (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine) are currently studying Engineering at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. Mia is a fourth year student studying a conjoint in Civil Engineering and Māori Studies, and is passionate about incorporating Te Ao Māori into engineering practice. Amani is a second year student studying Computer Systems Engineering, interested in expanding his perspectives on the engineering industry. Alyce started this podcast back in 2021 while she was studying engineering, so it is only fitting to pass it on to this awesome duo who are now, like she was, navigating study while being curious about learning about those in the engineering world. Their vision for this podcast is to continue to uphold its mana, empowering tauira Māori to exceed expectations, and consider engineering as a pathway forward.

The final episode of the Māori in Engineering podcast series, reflecting on He Kura Nā Rātā, He Kura Pūkaha is now live!

Episode 5: Amani Tilialo, Lupesina Koro, Ariana George and I have a kōrero on their reflections of the wānanga, serving as kaitūao, and their vision of what the future of engineering industry could look like as they walk with it. Tēnā rawa atu ki a rātou. 

Ariana, Amani, and Lupesina are all connected with SPIES at Taumata Waipapa Rau. The mahi SPIES does unmatched - read about it here

He waka kōtuia kāhore e tukutukua ngā mimira. A canoe that is interlaced, will never become loosened. In unity there is strength.

Episode 4: Craig Watson, Sarah Witts and I have a kōrero on their reflections of attending the wānanga as tangata tiriti, and what ‘getting serious about being tangata tiriti’ actually looks like. Ngā mihi ki a rāua.

Hei āpōpō for the final episode of this series sharing reflections, Episode 5!

Te Moana Nui a Kiwa Whakapukahatanga Ihi South Pacific Professional Engineering Excellence (Te Mana Kiwi SPPEEx) held the Dinner and Awards evening on the second night.

The hoe, carved from kauri rākau, were gifted to acknowledge;
​Tētēkura (Legacy) hoe bears intricate designs, signifying a legacy of profound influence. Pōua Gerry Te Kapa Coates.
​Te Ngaru Whakateo (Current) hoe features subtle detailing, reflecting the recipient’s growing impact. Dr Emily Afoa
​Te Kahu o te Wai (Emerging) hoe remains nearly unadorned, symbolising a career still in its early stages. Alyce Lysaght (me!)

Episode 3: Dr Emily Afoa and I have a kōrero following the awards. Tēnā koe Em.

We weren’t able to speak with Pōua Gerry Coates, engari, at the end of this episode I read out his award description that highlights his profound impact on the industry and his iwi of Ngāi Tahu, whānau hoki. I have no doubt the engineering industry we experience today is different because of these impacts. E rere kau ana ngā mihi ki a Pōua Gerry Coates.

More details of Te Mana Kiwi SPPEEx Awards and to read the blurb of Pōua Gerry Te Kapa Coates ⁠here⁠.

He Kura Nā Rātā, He Kura Pūkaha is a wānanga celebrating Māori in Engineering. In 2025, it was held over three days in Tāmaki Makaurau, hosted at Waipapa Taumata Rau. This five episode mini-series shares the reflections from the wānanga.

Rā tuatahi was all about exploring the past and present of Māori in Engineering. Hear from Mia Goodsell - Matthews, L'Rey Renata, and Mason Popata as they share their reflections following the first day.

More details of the Te Mana Kiwi SPPEEx and Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau held wānanga ⁠here⁠.