Te Pio Kawe celebrates 20 years

Te Pio has been an instrumental figure in the Boffa Miskell whānau, and integral to the evolution of the Te Hīhiri discipline.

Te Pio was contracted to Boffa Miskell’s Tauranga office in 2002 to work on the 50 Year Western Bay of Plenty Sub-Regional Growth Strategy, more commonly called “SmartGrowth”; and became a permanent member of staff in 2003.

He brought extensive experience as a project co-ordinator and a specialist consultant on a range of complex planning and design projects, and over the past two decades Te Pio has specialised in Māori community housing (papakāinga) projects and the development of iwi/hapū management plans.

His involvement in the development of the Papakāinga Toolkit was a key move forward and created exciting opportunities for the team at Boffa Miskell and for the hapu we work with in the wider Bay of Plenty region.

“Te Pio has a particular passion for working with Māori, Regional and Local Authorities and other government agencies, with an objective being to enhance their aspirations and to sustainably manage land and resources,” says Matt Allott, a planner in the Tauranga office.

“His role within the company as Kaiarataki – Te Hīhiri / Strategic Advisor is sought-after and respected by both Boffa Miskell consultants and a wider client base. He’s committed to meaningful engagement and consultation, ensuring work outcomes that satisfy client and environmental expectations,” Matt continues.

Te Pio has been a guide and a quiet leader within Boffa Miskell, supporting the growth and development of many others through their consultancy journey.

“What’s always apparent is Te Pio’s passion for the work that he does and the high regard in which he is held by all clients, industry partners and tangata whenua that he works with,” says planner Sean Grace.

“What may not be so well-known is the subtle mentoring that he provides for his colleagues across all disciplines and levels of experience. His calm and friendly demeanour, coupled with his high-level of expertise, empowers those of us who are fortunate to work with him.”

Te Pio’s leadership is likened to wayfinding, because he allows those around him to discover their own journey in the bicultural world, without judgement.

Te Pio’s guidance as a founding member, and now Technical Leader, for Te Hīhiri has brought continual improvement in outcomes for mana whenua in Tauranga Moana and beyond. He has taken a lead role in engaging with iwi and hapu on many key projects in the region — not only leading engagement processes but being closely involved with the full cultural design process.

Landscape planner Rebecca Ryder says, “Te Pio brings mana and tohungatanga to our projects, helping to unlock complex narratives from iwi and hapu groups we work with.

“His influence has made so many positive changes not only to the projects we work on, but the way we work and the mindset our team bring to our projects and clients.”

For further information please contact Te Pio Kawe