Why did Kākati Te Kākākura Royal reach out to Keystone? “Because I have never received a scholarship before,” he wrote on his application form. There were many other things Kākati had not received – principally a stable upbringing that nurtured a love of life and learning. By his own description, he was exposed to “different experiences” as a child: a turbulent mix of family discord, run-ins with the law, school expulsion, homelessness and time spent in pre-youth prison.
“It instilled in me a sense of mana. I was walking into a room – a young Māori boy from Porirua – with some of the most competitive, successful and ambitious people in New Zealand. The energy was quite infectious, and it gave me confidence.”
Yet, amidst the chaos, there were valuable lessons to be learned. Whatever the circumstances, they brought with them positives. Kākati now says. “I had a lot of older cousins participate in the criminal world – and I learned from their mistakes. They were a mentor of what not to do.” And despite his early challenges, he had good mentors steer him in the right direction.
Fast forward to today, and Kākati’s sitting in AECOM’s Auckland office, providing direction to the business as the Kaihautū – Principal Māori Lead Projects. It’s a role that blends his academic smarts with his cultural roots and commercial acumen, focusing on innovation, sustainability, social infrastructure and business leadership.
Talk about coming full circle. Kākati applied for an AECOM Property scholarship through Keystone when in his third year of a civil engineering degree at the University of Canterbury. He was the first student from a Decile One school in five years to be accepted onto the course. Money was tight: he had a surplus of $10 a week from his student loan. “A friend told me that I should apply to the Keystone Trust, and I said, ‘what’s that’?” He subsequently applied. And then came the call to say that he had been successful. It was game changer.
The support didn’t just help with his studies; it opened doors. Internships at AECOM and Beca followed, thanks to Keystone’s network. And though Kākati’s career has taken him through different sectors, landing back at AECOM felt right. It wasn’t about obligation; it just clicked.
Reflecting on his journey, Kākati credits Keystone for giving him more than just a financial boost. As he recalls on the Awards night: “it instilled in me a sense of mana. I was walking into a room – a young Māori boy from Porirua – with some of the most competitive, successful and ambitious people in New Zealand. The energy was quite infectious, and it gave me confidence.”
Looking back, Kākati’s come a long way from the school principal’s prophecy of prison. He has completed studies in engineering, finance, economics and tribal leadership at the University of Canterbury, Thompson River University and Stanford. During this period of study, he landed over 20 awards and scholarships, first-class honours and a distinction for his thesis.
Does he think now that his first scholarship set him apart from his peers? Yes, he says. It gave him access to connections, as well as a sense of confidence that fed on itself by translating into more positive action. Friends and family still marvel at his turnaround. But for Kākati, he attributes this turnaround to the successful leadership and direction provided to him by his family, close friends and mentors, including Keystone, who helped him stay on the right path.
He says: “Growing up Māori was a challenge. I remember seeing the All Blacks performing our haka, which was a source of pride. However, all other portrayals of Māori on the national stage often carried negative connotations. So as a kid you become accustomed to this image driven by the media that Māori are a net-national burden and something to be ashamed of as a country. Exposure to this negativity was incredibly harmful as a kid and you are led to believe that is what it means to be Māori.”
Now of course, he has learnt about the incredibly positive contributions Māori have made to our country in recent years, and he is driven by the same sense of passion and purpose to continue this work. Following in the footsteps of his tribal leaders and elders before him, to lead the next generation and advance his people into the future.
In concluding this interview, Kākati Te Kākākura Royal’s journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and seizing opportunities despite adversity. He says “In every challenge lies an opportunity, and in every setback, a lesson learned. My upbringing, though filled with challenges, has moulded me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing. For every experience, whether positive or negative, has shaped my character and fuelled my determination. Resilience isn’t just about enduring tough times; it’s about emerging stronger and more capable.”
