Creating space for culture: A day in the life of Trent

March 17, 2026

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Meet Trent Tipene, a Māori advisor working in our Transportation team in the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland office. His work is about shaping better outcomes—for communities today and for generations to come. By combining technical engineering expertise with Māori cultural knowledge, Trent helps ensure projects reflect iwi (tribal) values, strengthen relationships, and deliver longterm resilience.

Trent’s story shares how Stantec’s commitment to cultural competency and its Māori strategy support him to bring his whole self to work. From supporting colleagues to build their confidence with tikanga Māori and te reo Māori (Māori protocols and language), to working alongside iwi on major infrastructure projects like the Waitematā Harbour Connections project, he plays an important role in connecting people, place, and purpose.

Grounded in community and guided by values, Trent’s engineering mahi (work) at Stantec goes beyond design. It’s about partnership, respect, and creating space for culture within the profession.

Discover how Stantec supports people like Trent to lead with culture, collaborate with communities, and shape a more inclusive future.

Trent is a transportation engineer and Māori advisor in Stantec’s Auckland, New Zealand office. He works at the intersection of engineering and Te Ao Māori, helping strengthen infrastructure and relationships with iwi (Māori tribal groups).
Contact Trent 