Expression of Interest
He Rautaki Huanui (2026–2030)
He waka eke noa – we are all in this together.
The Diversity Agenda is an award-winning, industry-led movement for engineering and architecture in Aotearoa. It is delivered in partnership with Te Ao Rangahau Engineering New Zealand, the Association of Consulting and Engineering New Zealand, and Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, with guidance and direction set from a representative Steering Committee and advisory rōpū.
The goal of The Diversity Agenda is to:
- Help engineering and architecture firms become more diverse and inclusive through awareness, empowerment and action.
- Create inclusive and respectful engineering and architecture professions, that are representative of society, and where everyone feels safe and valued in their workplaces and young people want to be engineers and architects.
Our members are made up of small to large engineering and architecture businesses from all over Aotearoa.
The Diversity Agenda Steering Committee has established subgroups, aligned to strategy, to help us achieve our outcomes. One of the subgroups is looking at outcomes for Māori in industry and as an example, in 2024, The Diversity Agenda made a submission on the Treaty Principals Bill. This submission affirmed our position on supporting Te Tiriti O Waitangi. Continuing on from this, our organisation is committed to partnership with Māori and developing Māori engineers and architects.
THE RAUTAKI MEASURES OF SUCCESS
By 2030, 50% of the working population, is estimated to be Māori and we want our industry to reflect this. We currently have 3.5% of Māori represented across our membership. (The Diversity Agenda Annual Survey 2025)
- By 2030 we want to have 8% Māori working in our industry.
In 2035, we will recognise 200 years since the signing of He Whakaputanga and in 2040, we mark 200 years of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
- As an industry, Māori will see themselves at all levels of the profession.
- We see more Māori as owners and shareholders of our relevant businesses.
- Our industry understands our Reo Māori and culture is all connected.
By 2030, our industry is attractive to iwi/Māori because we are ready to partner to support their outcomes.
- We will have a clear methodology for relationship building, so we are competent and confident in developing relationships with Māori.
- We will define a measured improvement framework, assessing relationship experiences.
- Graduates are attracted to industry because they see our industry working well with iwi.
- We will have a transparent and clear process, known and understood by the industry.
- We will develop recognised CPD resources to educate and standardise our businesses.
By 2030, our industry will have a system that supports learning and development based on a tuakana/teina model.
In November 2025, we launched our Strategy 2030, with our first objective being to build partnerships with iwi and we need support in setting the pathway to success. We are seeking passionate individuals from all ages and stages of wisdom, to join our He Rautaki Huanui (The Strategic Pathway), a rōpū that will lead and advise on the development and delivery of this objective through to 2030. This is an opportunity to shape an industry movement that reflects Aotearoa and honours Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Kaumātua, pakeke and rangatahi – we value wisdom and all perspectives.
- People at all career stages – from emerging professionals to senior leaders.
- Those with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
YOUR ROLE
As part of the Rōpū, you will:
- Wānanga as a rōpū to develop the approach to operationalising the strategy with tactics out to 2030.
- An active representative and voice of the industry membership.
He Rautaki Huanui will be supported and informed by The Diversity Agenda Steering Group, with regular opportunities for you to share progress and receive feedback through advisory sessions. These sessions will help ensure your work continues to align with the strategic plan.
COMMITMENT
- The Rōpū will meet regularly (monthly or as agreed) from 2026 until 2030.
- Participation may include hui (in person or online), reviewing the work plan, resources, documents, and advising on key projects.
WHY JOIN?
This is an opportunity to be part of something meaningful, joining a movement that champions equity, inclusion, and representation across Aotearoa. Through this rōpū, you can have a genuine voice in shaping industry-wide change and ensuring Māori perspectives are heard and valued at every level. You will build connections with pono me te tika connections with a supportive network of leaders, experts, and advocates committed to diversity and inclusion. The rōpū creates space for both emerging and established Māori leaders to contribute their experience and whakaaro, grow governance and influence skills, and help guide the direction of The Diversity Agenda. It is a place to learn by doing, to be supported as you step into leadership, and to strengthen collective Māori leadership across the sector, with this mahi recognised as career development, while contributing to meaningful, long-term and intergenerational change.
Click here to view our full Strategy 2030.
HOW TO EXPRESS INTEREST
Please email craig@diversityagenda.org with:
- Your name and role
- Organisation and/or Iwi affiliation
- A short kōrero about your experience and why you’d like to be involved
- Any relevant affiliations or expertise
- Letter(s) of support (from your organisation or other affiliations) (optional).
Deadline: 20 February 2026
