For pakihi Māori, the power of collaboration between cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology is essential in navigating modern industries. One pakihi leading the way in Aotearoa is Ruru, a Māori-led engineering, surveying, and planning firm that blends mātauranga Māori with state-of-the-art practices to transform the landscape of development in New Zealand.

With a strong foundation in civil engineering and construction, Ruru’s Director, Lochlan Spence Ihaka Marino Te Waru Hynd (Ngāti Whakaue, Tainui, Tūhoe), integrates mātauranga Māori into engineering design, to ensure that Ruru’s projects honour both the whenua and its people. In partnership with Callum Rio (Ngāti Ira, Whakatōhea), a skilled surveyor, the duo set out to create a company that blends the best of Māori and modern practices.

‍Co-Governance and Partnership

At the heart of Ruru’s success is its embodiment of co-governance—working together under the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Alongside planners Nick Matthison and Duncan Ross, Ruru is an expression of Waka Hourua, where Māori and non-Māori work in true partnership to deliver projects that respect and uplift both parties. This collaboration is not just about delivering successful projects but is also a commitment to decolonising the methods of engineering, surveying, and planning, ensuring that indigenous knowledge is front and centre in decision-making processes.

‍Technology Rooted in Tikanga

Ruru has spent the last eight years developing world-first technology in-house, giving it a unique advantage in delivering infrastructure and land development projects with speed and efficiency. However, speed is not achieved at the cost of cultural integrity. Ruru’s work on pāpākainga and infrastructure projects ensures that developments are not only functional but also reflect the deep values and tikanga of the hapū involved.

From urban design that is sensitive to the environment to infrastructure that honours the mauri of the land, Ruru’s projects are holistic and community-focused. Their work helps uplift the most affected areas in Aotearoa by combining technical knowledge with an understanding of the whenua and its people.

‍Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future

One of Ruru’s guiding principles is ensuring that each development reflects the history and stories of tangata whenua. This approach goes beyond design; it is about ensuring that every project is infused with the legacy of the land, making it a living tribute to the past, while paving the way for future generations. By working closely with clients, Ruru draws on the knowledge and history of the whānau, ensuring that every project is an authentic reflection of the people it serves.

A Vision for Māori-Led Development

While Ruru is still a young company, it has big ambitions. As climate change continues to impact Aotearoa, with increasing instances of flooding, slips, and land degradation, Ruru is stepping up to help whānau address these challenges. Their expertise in infrastructure design, combined with a deep respect for the land, positions Ruru as a leader in Māori engineering practices—delivered by Māori, for Māori.

As Māori business owners, the work of Ruru serves as an example of what can be achieved when mātauranga Māori is combined with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to serving the community. Ruru is not just shaping land; they are shaping futures—honouring the past, respecting the present, and engineering a future where Māori innovation leads the way.