Mason Popata

Project Manager & Connector | Ngāti Mutunga, Ngā Puhi, Te Ātiawa

Motueka, Tasman, New Zealand

About

Experience

  • Tauira Mahi - Te Aka Pūkenga at Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

    As part of the Te Aka Pūkenga programme, my mahi focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and relationships across iwi and council organisations to support environmental management (Te Taiao) across Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui. The programme is designed to build Māori capability, strengthen iwi–council collaboration, and grow pathways for rangatahi Māori into environmental and governance roles. Key Responsibilities: - Participate in placements across iwi and council teams, contributing to projects in resource management, conservation, and environmental planning. - Support iwi-led and council-led Te Taiao initiatives, including data collection, community engagement, and reporting. - Develop and apply understanding of tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in environmental decision-making. - Build relationships with iwi partners, council staff, and regional stakeholders to enhance collaboration and shared outcomes. - Assist with the coordination of wānanga, workshops, and environmental monitoring activities. - Undertake ongoing professional development through the Te Aka Pūkenga learning framework and tuakana–teina mentorship.

  • Project Manager at BPM Ltd
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

  • Project Engineer at McConnell Dowell
    Jul 2023 - Aug 2024 · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Project Engineer at CGW Consulting Engineers
    May 2021 - Jun 2023 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Worked as a Project engineer at CGW on the $20m, concrete culvert and channel works of Saxton Creek Stage 4. Previous work on $2m Alliance Stock yard extension and earthquake strengthening works. Responsibilities included: • Contract management • Processing claims, variations and RFI’s • Construction monitoring and reporting • Review of management plans, documentation, and procedures such as, SSSP quality plan, ITP(s) etc. • Site auditing and monitoring • Chair and minuting PCG meetings

  • Engineer at Calibre
    Oct 2019 - Oct 2020 · 1 yr 1 mo