clear-sighted founding values and strong roots provide our platform to achieve a sustainable future
we are here for people and always will be - our people, your people, all people
we offer a range of professional services and collaborate with other like-minded specialists to achieve highest quality outcomes
The origin of our name: Tektus is a word invented to evoke an approach to development that balances the competing interests of ecology, design and technology. In using the title Tektus, our new practice formed in 2015 identifies itself with the business name of the urban planning and architecture partnership started in Britain in 1985, now absorbed into one of the UK's largest consultancies. Tektus in the UK was an early advocate of sustainable design, a practice philosophy that corresponded to low-impact low-energy building design and, where possible, the principle of 'invisible repair' for Britain's many old buildings.
New technologies in engineering, together with modern planning approaches for sustainable environments re-affirm the validity of the title's origins.
Our logo for Tektus echoes the roots of the practice name but now emphasises our holistic ethos by underlining the “us” in Carl Sagan's poem, the Pale Blue Dot: "Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us." This is our view of a contemporary definition of sustainability focussed on people as well as environmental and engineering technologies.
Tektus is founded on contemporary values that we summarise in five core principles - the pillars of the practice: creativity, flexibility, optimism, simplicity and responsive understanding.
At Tektus, we promote creativity through all our work, and look to inspire others by how we operate and what we do. We approach engineering as a highly creative profession, and planning as a liberating and constructive process; similarly, environmental issues are regarded as critically important contributions to other elements in the development of a sustainable world.
Flexibility is both fundamental to our philosophy, and an objective for us in the future growth of the Company: professional flexibility, the flexibility to be different in our operation, the flexibility to express new ideas, and new approaches to engineering the environment. The need to be flexible in order to adapt to new challenges and needs will always be a core tenet at Tektus.
There are many ways to view the world. At Tektus we promote an optimistic and long-term view. For the optimist the glass is half full, the pessimist says it's half empty: we say our job is to help you make the most of what's available, preserving your existing resources, and to guide your future plans towards a balanced solution that meets all needs.
Keeping things simple and without unnecessary complications is important to us at Tektus - from our IT systems and the way we work, to our broader interactions and wide-ranging relationships. We view simplicity as being crucial in a fast-changing world.
Responsive understanding is our fifth and most important pillar. From a strong desire to understand the how and why of things, to a compassionate understanding of others, we promote rigorous and responsive understanding to help shape and achieve a sustainable future.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata! | What is the most important thing in the world? It is 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.
POU WHAKARAE • DIRECTOR
BE (Civil) MRP (hons) CPEng
Jack formed Tektus in early 2015 to shape a distinct multi-disciplinary consultancy practice with strong values and a focus on tāngata - 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 George live in Titirangi, Auckland, and enjoy the outdoors, mountain biking and anything to do with frisbees.
POU WHAKARAE • DIRECTOR
BA/BE (hons) PhD (Civil) CPEng
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 Maraetai with their dogs; all of whom make the most of Aotearoa's great outdoors.
KAIWHAKAHAERE MATUA • 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.
MĀTANGA TAIAO • 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.
KAIPŪKAHA • 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.
KAIPŪKAHA • ENGINEER
Arthur joined Tektus in 2021 as an Engineer and brings his experience in land development, in both public and private sectors. Arthur's expertise includes project management and construction supervision, subdivision design and analysis, resource management, compliance monitoring and quality assurance. Arthur has an extensive understanding of civil engineering, resource consent management and land development processes. Arthur and his wife Leona live in Dairy Flat with their dog Rifle. You can often find Arthur and Leona walking with Rifle at local beaches.
KAIPŪKAHA • 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.
KAIPŪKAHA • ENGINEER
Dali joined Tektus in 2021, adding his experience on a wide range of residential and commercial land development projects. Dali's technical expertise include stormwater specialist design, civil design, project management and construction observation. Dali has broad understanding of stormwater conveyance design, water quality treatment, hydrological and hydraulic modelling. Together with his partner Steph and their young son, they love to explore the outdoors and work on their garden.
KAIPŪKAHA • ENGINEER
Tania joined Tektus in 2023 and is an engineer with experience managing land development projects from design to approval . Her experience covers small- and large-scale residential subdivisions (both greenfield and brownfield), and include tasks ranging from project management, design through to lodgement, construction observation and compliance / sign offs. Outside of work, you can find Tania playing social sports, eating with friends and family, or taking a good long nap.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Yasenko Krpo has over 30 years of engineering experience working on infrastructure and environmental projects from planning and design through to implementation. He has worked in various senior roles in both the private sector and local government. He brings skills and experiences from both engineering and business backgrounds working both in New Zealand and overseas. Yasenko fosters a collaborative working style with an innovative and pragmatic approach to project challenges that meet client's requirements.
KAIHANGARAU METARAHI • ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
James joined Tektus in 2022 and is part of our technical design team, utilising Auto CAD and Civil 3D skills to support the wider team. James has a background in Social Work BSW(hons), specialising in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. James' leadership skills and background experience offer a space to support the team both technically while balancing hauora (wellbeing) within the working environment. James lives with his wife Emily and family in Maraetai, spending time out with their dogs, and mountain biking in Maraetai forest.
KAIHANGARAU METARAHI • ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Lewis joined Tektus in 2018 as a CAD and Civil3D specialist, drawing on his extensive design skills and practical experience to help the team deliver high quality drawing packages and engineering solutions. After taking a break away, and relocating his family to Alexandra, Lewis rejoined our team in 2023. With tertiary training in both product design and primary education, Lewis has a broad and valuable skill set that makes him a unique professional. His eye for detail, education training and first-hand teaching practice helps ensure a clarity of vision in both how Lewis operates and the work he delivers. Outside of work, you'll typically find Lewis and his wife Rachael out exploring Central Otago, either on skis, mountain bikes, or by foot with their two Labradors.
MĀTANGA TAIAO • GRADUATE ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST
Bridget joined Tektus in 2022 as a Graduate Environmental Specialist while pursuing her studies. Now, armed with a Masters of Environmental Management, she's a full-time force for good. Bridget's passion for sustainability and her ecological expertise from her undergrad days make her a great addition to our team. Beyond work, catch her outdoors, enjoying good food, and making memories with friends.
KAIPŪKAHA • ENGINEER
Matt joined Tektus in March 2024 from a background in land development. His experience includes design and approval of large-scale subdivisions and stormwater management solutions for commercial and residential projects including large catchment wide and plan change applications. Outside of work, Matt enjoys golf and socialising with mates.
PEOPLE AND OPERATIONS LEAD
Aaron has been with Tektus since the end of 2023, combining a background in Science and Engineering with his passion for people and driving efficiencies within a business. Aaron holds a BSc and PGDip Eng and coupled with his experience across local government, not for profits and the private sector, brings a unique, holistic approach to his work and a deeper understanding of the mahi Tektus delivers. Aaron loves spending time outdoors and protecting the natural environment and when he’s not at work, you’ll find Aaron out on the water racing keelboats with his partner Anna, or out on the road riding his bike.
CULTURAL NAVIGATOR & PROJECT MANAGER
Savanna (Ngāti Whātua / Te Aupouri) joined Tektus in 2024 as a Cultural Navigator and Project Manager and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in Iwi, Māori and community partnerships, strategic development and environmental outcomes. Savanna has worked across multiple sectors including local, central and community driving Te Ao Māori outcomes through projects and programmes. Outside of the office, you will find Savanna in her local community pursuing opportunities for the next generation to access Te Reo Māori, and running around after her tamariki.
TAUIRA PŪKAHA • ENGINEERING TEAM
Iisa joined Tektus in early 2023 as an intern while he continues his BGlobalSt/BE(hons) conjoint in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Māori Studies. Iisa brings an eagerness to learn and a hard-working attitude, as well as a passion for Te Ao Māori and developing sustainable solutions. Outside the office, you can often see Iisa playing at a local football pitch, cycling, or hiking with his friends.
TAUIRA PŪKAHA • ENGINEERING TEAM
Jim joined Tektus as an intern during the year of 2023. He works casually across the year, while continuing his studies towards a BE(hons) degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Jim brings to Tektus his optimism and positive can-do attitude, along with his passion to improve sustainability. Outside of work, Jim enjoys being active, as well as having a good time with his friends and family.
Our team at Tektus offer a range of professional services, and we collaborate well with other like-minded specialists to achieve highest quality outcomes. Below are examples of our experience and services
through any of the means below; we look forward to hearing from you
Physical address - 10 Madden Street
Auckland Central 1010
New Zealand
m. +64 21 1434 874
e. kiaora@tektus.nz
Jack Turner: jack.turner@tektus.nz
Emily Afoa: emily.afoa@tektus.nz