Honouring Culture, Identity, and Climate Leadership: Cook Islands Māori Language Week
Cook Islands Language Week marks a powerful moment of cultural pride and reflection, celebrating 60 years of self-governance for the Cook Islands, and the theme: Ātui’tui’ia au ki te raurau a tōku matakeinanga – “Connect me to the offerings of my people.”
In this feature, we spotlight Manamea Koteka, a geotechnical engineer at Tonkin + Taylor and proud Cook Islander, whose journey from Rarotonga to Aotearoa embodies the intersection of Pacific heritage, climate resilience, and engineering innovation.
Read on to see how the importance of language, cultural identity, and representation in STEM fields, and how embracing one’s roots can inspire meaningful change.
Meet Manamea Koteka: Cook Islander, Climate Advocate, and Geotechnical Engineer at Tonkin + Taylor
Kia Orana! My name is Manamea Koteka, and I’m a proud Cook Islander and a geotechnical engineer here at Tonkin + Taylor.
I hail from the beautiful islands of Rarotonga, Manihiki, Rakahanga, and Pukapuka and had the privilege of being raised on the beautiful island of Rarotonga up until I moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in pursuit of tertiary education in 2020.
Why engineering?
Growing up in Rarotonga, I experienced the impacts of climate change in real time – coral bleaching, rising temperatures, and increasingly severe weather patterns. These challenges were not abstract; they were happening in my backyard.
Although Pacific communities are not the main contributors to climate change, we have a vital role in being part of the solution. Engineering became the pathway through which I could make a tangible impact. Learning how to design climate-resilient infrastructure and integrating my own cultural knowledge helps me listen to and understand what truly serves our Pacific people. A deep commitment to uplift drives this work and protects our communities, ensuring that the infrastructure we create reflects their needs and values. This is what inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.
Throughout this journey, the unwavering support of my family and my community back in the Cook Islands and their faith in me have carried me through every step. I take them with me in all my achievements, representing them in spaces where few of us have had the opportunity.
Culture in my work
Staying connected to my Cook Islands culture keeps me grounded. It’s my compass—my “why.” Very few engineers come from the Cook Islands, and that makes every step I take feel significant. I carry my people with me in the office, out on site, or at a networking event.
I joined Tonkin + Taylor as a summer intern in 2022/2023 and returned as a graduate in 2024. Tonkin + Taylor has been more than just a workplace. It’s been a space where I’ve felt seen, supported, and encouraged to bring my whole self to the table. My colleagues understand that my journey isn’t just about me – it’s about my community, my culture, and the legacy I carry with me. They’ve opened doors, backed me in moments of doubt, and helped me grow.
Starting an email with ‘Kia Orana’ or signing off with ‘Meitaki ma’ata’ helps me stay true to who I am and where I come from. It also gives those I work with a chance to know me better.
This journey has been deeply fulfilling, and I’m grateful to be part of a company that respects and celebrates my identity.
The power of our language
Our language is so much more than words — it’s a voyage of our identity. It carries stories of our ancestors, acknowledging those who came before us and where we are heading. One of my favourite proverbs is:
“Ā aere mārie e aku potiki, kia kite koe i ngā inā potēa – go peacefully, my child, so that you may see the hidden dangers ahead.”
It’s a reminder to move with caution, humility, and awareness—something I hold close as I navigate unfamiliar spaces, especially as a young Pacific engineer.
Connecting generations through language
One of the most special things about Cook Islands Language Week is how it brings people together – from our taunga to tamariki. Knowledge is passed down in powerful ways through dance, song, costume-making, and kai. You can feel the pride and joy in every gathering.
I was fortunate to be back in Rarotonga for the Te Maeva Nui 60th anniversary celebrations. During these celebrations, I was reminded of how beautiful our culture is—rich in tradition, vibrant in spirit, and firmly embedded in the community.
It was heartwarming to see how our people came together to perform and uplift one another in celebration. The energy, pride, and unity we shared during this time are truly special, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of it.
My message to the next generation
Never be discouraged from embracing who you are, even in spaces that weren’t built with us in mind.
Remember, we come from a long line of great navigators – visionaries who charted vast oceans guided by the stars, courage, and wisdom. Walk proudly in both worlds. Pursue your dreams boldly. Embrace your culture fiercely. Speak your language with pride. You belong in every space you enter.
And as you journey forward, always acknowledge those who helped steer your vaka along the way.
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About the author
Manamea is a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer with a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering (with Honours) from the University of Auckland. She initially joined Tonkin + Taylor as an intern in 2022, exclusively contributing towards the closeout process of the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway. As a graduate, Manamea is actively engaged in projects across the Pacific and New Zealand, contributing to both our geotechnical discipline and business development areas. Her first Pacific project was in the Cook Islands, in collaboration with the New Zealand Government.
Read about more about our projects in Pacific Development and Resilience
