the most important thing?
he tangata, he tangata, he tangata: it is the people, it is the people, it is the people
At Tektus we focus on people - our people, our clients and our society; us. This is underlined through our logo, which also points to where we're all based - our planet: the pale blue dot. Through collaboration and a focus on people, while celebrating where we're from, we enjoy delivering the best and highest quality solutions for all.
Jack Turner
DIRECTOR · ENGINEER · PLANNER
Jack formed Tektus in early 2015 to shape a distinct multi-disciplinary consultancy practice with strong values and a focus on he tangata - the people. With qualifications and experience over 10 years across engineering, environmental and planning disciplines and through roles in construction, local government and consultancy firms, Jack is well-placed to lead and develop Tektus into an effective, collaborative service provider to both public and private sector clients. Jack, his wife Dana and their sons Toby and Jacob live in Titirangi, Auckland, and enjoy the outdoors, mountain biking and the occasional game of Ultimate Frisbee.
Emily Afoa
PARTNER · ENGINEER
Emily (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maniapoto) joined Tektus in 2018 bringing environmental and engineering experience gained through roles in tertiary institutions, local government, and consultancy firms. She has a passion for water sensitive solutions that value Te Ao Māori and benefit both community and environment. Her expertise in stormwater management is underpinned by her Doctorate which focussed on the function of living roofs in Aotearoa. Emily, her husband James, and step-daughter Maddisyn live in Mount Wellington with their dogs; all of whom make the most of Aotearoa's great outdoors.
Kelly McCabe
SENIOR PLANNER
Kelly joined our team at Tektus in 2017 as a senior planner, providing critical and immeasurable part-time support while juggling life with her family of five. Her science background and wide-ranging knowledge across both regional and district level planning environments, and first-hand extensive experience in Auckland local government, along with Kelly's open, empathetic and clear-thinking persona, all contribute to making Kelly a fantastic and respected professional and pivotal member of our team.
Hillary Johnston
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST
Hillary joined Tektus in 2019 as an environmental specialist primarily with expertise in the stormwater, wastewater and industrial trade activities disciplines. Hillary brings more than 5 years of local government experience that includes specialist regional planning technical input, environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement. Hillary lives in the heart of Auckland City with her partner Chris both of whom are urban explorers with an appetite for great food and a craft beer or two.
Tom Dawson
ENGINEER
Tom joined Tektus in 2019 as an engineer and brings his experience across a wide range of civil engineering projects, many focusing on providing improved environmental outcomes. Tom’s technical expertise includes environmental design, stream remediation design, stormwater pipe daylighting designs, stormwater reticulation network design, coastal outfall solutions, and site supervision. Tom has practical experience working on road maintenance contracts and the construction of larger scale works such as bridges and retaining walls. Outside of work, Tom and his partner Sara enjoy hiking, playing the guitar, attending theatre productions and camping around the country.
Mia Goodsell-Matthews
GRADUATE ENGINEER
Mia (Te Rarawa) joined Tektus in 2020, after graduating from The University of Auckland in 2018 with a BE(hons). Mia brings to Tektus her practical experience from the construction industry, where she spent time working for a company that specialises in piles and foundations. Along with this, Mia brings a passion for creating outcomes that benefit both people and the environment. Outside of work you can find Mia either playing hockey, participating in CrossFit or enjoying brunch at one of her favourite cafes.
Kairan Zhu
ENGINEERING INTERN
Kairan joined Tektus as an intern during the year of 2020 as he continues his BE(hons) degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Kairan brings to Tektus his range of construction experience that includes retaining wall construction for the City Rail Link and plumbing for new residential developments. Through these experiences, Kairan was motivated to be more influential in design processes to create sustainable and innovative solutions for the community. Outside of work, you can often find Kairan at a local basketball court, having late night skewers or hotpot, and catching waves at the beach in summer.
Patricia Asare-Kerr
PRACTICE MANAGER
Patricia joined Tektus in September 2019 as a part-time Practice Manager providing support across our accounts and office environment. Having worked in overseas and in New Zealand as a PA and Facilities Manager, Patricia has a good understanding of various industries bringing her wealth of knowledge to Tektus. Being bicultural, with a Polish mother and Ghanaian father, Patricia has both cultures constantly influencing her life, giving her more reason to connect with people. Living on the North Shore, Patricia and her husband Paul are kept busy (and entertained) by their 2 daughters.