Meet the Team
ĀTEA is deliberately small and focused, allowing us to work closely, move quickly and stay grounded in kaupapa. When scale or specialist depth is required, we draw on a trusted network of highly experienced technical, commercial and delivery professionals to strengthen project teams.
tĀNA aPIATA
Infrastructure & Delivery SpecialistTana Apiata brings a strong foundation in civil engineering and infrastructure delivery, with experience across consulting, council, contracting and asset management environments. His formative career includes roles with Opus, local authorities and contractor operations, alongside asset management experience with Fulton Hogan, including involvement in the successful establishment and delivery of the Northern Roading Network Outcomes Contract (NOC).
Tana has also worked with RDT Pacific as an Infrastructure Project Manager, supporting delivery, coordination and governance interface on the Te Tii Marae project.
In parallel with his technical background, Tana has played a key role in fundraising initiatives that have delivered millions of dollars into Far North communities, through both major grant funding and the development of infrastructure and operating models that support long‑term commercial viability. His focus is on helping organisations move from funding dependency to sustainable, resilient delivery.
Tana is currently strengthening his governance and leadership capability as a scholarship participant in the Pou Tuarā Leadership Circle and the Tupu Tonu – Te Uranga Anamata leadership programme, building Ngāpuhi governance capacity and future leadership.
He brings a practical, steady and systems‑focused approach to ĀTEA’s mahi, supporting organisations to move confidently from aspiration to funded, deliverable and enduring outcomes.
jaCQUeline (Jacqui) APIATA
Founder & Managing Director | Governance & Systems AdvisoryJacqui Apiata brings national‑level governance and systems leadership experience across Crown, commercial and community environments, working at the intersection of governance, infrastructure delivery and kaupapa‑rich systems.
As Founder and Managing Director, Jacqui has governed and led multiple commercial and community entities and has served as an independent director and trusted advisor in high‑accountability settings. Her governance credibility is underpinned by experience supporting Chairs, boards and Chief Executives with governance evaluation and reset, board appointments and succession, crisis and continuity support, and strategy development.
Jacqui also brings senior executive management experience within a large commercial and high-risk sector environments, having reported directly to CEO and Board through periods of major growth and tender activity, IT infrastructure build, COVID‑19 response, joint‑venture development, and the absorption and integration of other companies and their workforces. This experience informs her practical understanding of organisational risk, culture, systems change and people leadership at scale.
She is known for her calm, principled approach—bringing clarity where expectations, risk and culture intersect—and for supporting leadership decisions that are credible, future‑focused and robust under scrutiny.