Teresa Poli has worked in construction and infrastructure across Australia and Aotearoa.  Ms Poli holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), majoring in Environmental Engineering from the University of Waikato, and she is currently completing her Masters of Engineering, where her thesis investigates how Māori education can be incorporated into the engineering curriculum. Her goal is to provide engineers with some knowledge of Māori design principles, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, iwi engagement practices, Te Ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and kaitiakitanga. 

Ms Poli is passionate about promoting and supporting rangatahi, particularly Māori and wāhine, in construction and infrastructure roles. She brings her passion for broader social and environmental outcomes associated with the industry, advocating for a stronger Māori voice within the engineering, education, construction, and infrastructure sectors.