Bryan started work for the Auckland Power Board in 1957 as an electrical engineer on a six-year cadetship.
Bryan graduated after five years, and in 1961, left New Zealand on a yacht bound for Tahiti. He then sailed to the USA on a full rigged sailing ship.
Bryan continued his engineering career overseas working for a consulting firm in Mauritius, Cyprus and West Africa. He then gained a Masters of Science (Power System Design) from the University of Aston, United Kingdom in 1968.
In 1969, Bryan returned to New Zealand and initially worked on small hydro-power schemes. He grew his understanding of power transmission, distribution systems, hydroelectric schemes, thermal power stations and industrial power systems in New Zealand and overseas. Over the course of his career, Bryan has worked in more than 30 countries.
Bryan set up his own company in 1974, eventually becoming Leyland Consultants. He is majority owner, designer and operator of a 970 kW small hydro scheme. In 1914 he published a book, Small Hydroelectric Engineering Practice.
Bryan is a retired Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, United Kingdom, a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, United Kingdom, and a Distinguished Fellow of Engineering New Zealand.
Access
This oral history is held at the Alexander Turnbull Library. Contact the library for more information.
Date of interview: 2021
