SPPEEx Kōrero & Networking - Wellington (Sponsored by BECA)
Thursday, 19 March 2026
5:30pm-8:00pm
Beca Wellington - 85 Molesworth Street, Wellington, Wellington Region, 6011 New Zealand
SPPEEx is excited to kick off their 2026 Wellington Kōrero & Networking series with the first of three events planned for the year, with additional gatherings coming up in June and September 2026. This is an opportunity to catchup with new friends, old mates and colleagues, and to hear an update on SPPEEx and 2 wonderful presentations.
Agenda
· 5:30 – 6:00pm - Doors Open Mingling/Networking & Kai
· 6:00 - 6:10pm - Karakia & Mihi + Welcome to Beca Pōneke
· 6:10 – 6:25pm - Welcome & SPPEEx Update
· 6:25 – 6:50pm - Presentation #1: Partnering for Pacific Infrastructure: MFAT’s International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme - Lincoln Timoteo & Alyce Lysaght (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Explore how Pacific partnerships deliver resilient, culturally grounded infrastructure, following projects from concept to delivery, and learn from the Fale Alea rebuild in Tonga as a model of collaboration success.
· 6:50 – 7:15pm - Presentation #2: Te Ara Tupua - Ali Houpapa (Cultural Advisor for Taranaki Whānui)
· 7:15 – 7:30pm - Q&A Session
· 7:30 – 8:00pm - Mingling/Networking & Event Close
· 8:00pm Karakia Whakamutunga
Please feel free to share this pānui with all SPPEEx members, Māori & Pasifika engineers, and anyone working in or around engineering in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Kia tau te mauri — we look forward to seeing you there!
Presenter bio:
· Lincoln Timoteo (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa, Te Āti Awa, Tokelau) is an Infrastructure Project Manager with over a decade of civil engineering experience across major New Zealand transport and Pacific infrastructure programmes. He has led complex bridge, structural, and multi‑country projects, bringing expertise in construction delivery, risk management, commercial oversight, and stakeholder engagement. Lincoln previously delivered significant NZTA expressway structures with Fletcher Construction and now manages strategic infrastructure initiatives for MFAT. He holds a BE(Hons) in Civil Engineering and a Diploma in Te Reo Māori, contributing a strong blend of technical capability, cultural insight, and leadership.
· Alyce Lysaght (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Pākehā) is an Infrastructure Adviser at Manatū Aorere @Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, supporting resilient Pacific infrastructure and advising on bridge, building, and multi‑country development projects. She started her full-time working career at WSP New Zealand delivering water infrastructure and working under the korowai of the Māori Business Advisory Services whānau. Alyce is dedicated to elevating Indigenous voices in engineering, founding the Māori in Engineering podcast. She was the recipient of Te Mana Kiwi SPPEEX tohu of Te Kahu o te Wai and the 2025 Fulton Downer Silver Medal. She holds a BE(Hons), a Diploma in Global Humanitarian Engineering, and a Diploma in Te Reo Māori Level 5.
· Ali Houpapa (Taranaki, Te Arawa, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Kahungunu) is a Cultural Advisor (Kaitohutohu Ahurea) and Mana Whenua Representative for Taranaki Whānui, with over 26 years’ experience supporting community engagement and the protection of cultural heritage. Ali brings deep expertise in advising on tikanga Māori, facilitating leadership and community programmes, and promoting environmental stewardship. She is passionate about sharing mātauranga Māori and fostering understanding and respect across diverse communities. Through education, advocacy, and strong facilitation and management skills, Ali is committed to empowering people and ensuring cultural values are upheld, respected, and embedded in meaningful initiatives.
Venue, Kai, and Event Proudly sponsored by Foundation Partner Beca