Hans Huizing graduated in the Netherlands in 1948, emigrating to New Zealand in 1952 to work for the Ministry of Works on the Cobb River Power Station in Nelson, later moving to Upper Hutt then Napier.
Hans headed the design office for the Wellington Motorway, where he took pride in introducing textured concrete finishes and aesthetic features. He became Chief Designing Engineer (Civil) and later Chief Civil Engineer and Assistant Commissioner of Works, retiring in 1986.
He is remembered for his support of the research and development of new design guides and codes that became national documents, including retaining wall design, differential temperature design for box girders (Newmarket Viaduct), seismic design of petrochemical plants and bridge loadings. Hans was a member of Engineering New Zealand for 60 years, becoming a Fellow in 1975. His work was well-recognised by the engineering profession and he received the Freyssinet Award in 1972 and the Fulton-Downer Gold Medal in 1962 and 1977.
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This interview is held at the Alexander Turnbull Library. Contact the library for more information.
Date of Interview: 2011
