Tongan engineer recognised as Next Generation Leader in infrastructure

From shadowing her mother during night shifts as a child to becoming a structural engineer and a leader in Aotearoa New Zealand’s infrastructure sector, Karina Kaufusi’s journey is one of perseverance, cultural grounding, and representation.

The Tongan’s achievements were celebrated when she received the Next Generation Leader Award at the 2025 Building Nations Impact Awards.

“While my journey might be moving, I don’t see it as unique,” Kaufusi tells PMN News. “Many of us in the Pacific community grow up surrounded by quiet strength, sacrifice, and deep values.

“My focus has always been about creating pathways - not just for inclusion, but for leadership.

“As a Pasifika woman and as a structural engineer, I have really leaned into my identity and brought my culture to the forefront.”

Kaufusi is a senior structural engineer based in Auckland at Beca Group Limited, one of the largest employee-owned engineering and consultancy services firms in the Asia-Pacific region.

Beca Pasifika Network launch in December 2022. Photo/Facebook

She also founded the Beca Pasifika Network, which launched in December 2022.

“Starting the Pasifika Network at Beca was another pivotal moment. What began as a casual talanoa has grown into something I’m deeply passionate about,” Kaufusi says.

“It reminded me that there will always be reasons to feel like you don’t belong, but sometimes the most powerful shift is internal and choosing to belong anyway.”

Kaufusi strives to ensure her work is inclusive, particularly in a field where both women and Pasifika are underrepresented. She has become a respected leader for her commitment to building resilient communities.

At the heart of her work is the Tongan value of Tauhi vā (nurturing relationships), a principle that has reshaped how her organisation connects with Pasifika professionals and communities.

“Tauhi vā is about thinking beyond yourself and contributing to support the collective to thrive,” she says. “Leadership isn’t about individual success, but about how you contribute to the well-being of your community. That’s something I try to carry into my work every day.

Karina Kaufusi. Photo/Supplied

“Representation at all levels matters. I want to keep building pathways so our future is not only inclusive, but proudly reflective of the diverse voices that make up Aotearoa and the Pacific.

“There’s been real progress, especially in the last two to three years. Across the industry, I’ve seen more professional services firms establishing Pasifika networks and creating spaces where our voices are not only welcomed but supported.”

Kaufusi’s recognition came during a night that also highlighted innovation and impact across the sector.

“Karina embodies the future of infrastructure in Aotearoa,” Nick Leggett, of Infrastructure New Zealand says, adding that Kaufusi leads with humility, technical excellence, and cultural intelligence.

“Her leadership is lifting others along the way. Karina is proof that when we nurture diverse talent we can bring through transformative leadership and build a stronger, more inclusive industry.”

The 2025 Impact Awards also recognised three projects that are delivering exceptional outcomes for the nation.

Hutt City Council received the Infrastructure Decarbonisation Award for Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness, the first aquatic facility in Aotearoa New Zealand to achieve a five Green Star rating.

The project delivers a 56 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and uses 53 per cent less energy, setting a benchmark for low-carbon community infrastructure.

Willis Bond was presented the Excellence in Innovation Award for the country’s largest modern mass timber office building located in Tauranga. Completed on time and under budget, it showcases the viability of timber and how high-performance commercial spaces can be delivered sustainably.

The Rural Connectivity Programme. Photo/Supplied

The Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) was recognised with the Social Impact Award for its Rural Connectivity Programme, which has introduced over 560 mobile sites to remote communities through a shared network model developed with the government, iwi, councils, and landowners.

The model, a New Zealand first, focuses on deep collaboration to ensure that cultural and community priorities are respected.

“All these winners reflect the depth of leadership, innovation, and community impact that exists across our sector,” Leggett says.

“Whether it’s Karina’s inspiring story or the visionary and innovative infrastructure projects also recognised, this year’s awards remind us that great infrastructure is about more than costs, plans and delivery. It’s about talented people coming together and building things for the good of our communities.”