Ian Walsh is known for his exceptional analytical, problem solving, forensic and risk management skills.
Ian Walsh was born and raised in Otago. In 1972 he began a cadetship with the Ministry of Works and started his tertiary study. An intermediate year at the University of Otago was followed by a move to Christchurch to complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from the Engineering School at the University of Canterbury. Student work experience on the big Upper Waitaki and Manapōuri hydropower projects provided invaluable experience in leadership and civil engineering. Ian graduated with first class honours in 1975. He received a University Grants Committee scholarship for PhD research study but could not take this up due to his employment commitments to MWD (Ministry of Works and Development).
After completing his degree, Ian worked in Invercargill then moved to the MWD Dunedin office. He has worked in the employ of MWD (later OPUS Consulting and now WSP) for over 50 years. His widely varied career in the civil infrastructure sector has included work in Water Resources Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Dam Safety management, risk management and forensic engineering throughout New Zealand. Ian’s academic interests have continued throughout his career with postgraduate study.
Ian is often engaged in Peer Review roles and as an independent technical reviewer. He is a member of NZSOLD, NZGS and NZSEE and contributes to professional development both in New Zealand and internationally through technical publications and conference papers.
In 2025 Ian is a Technical Principal with WSP in Dunedin.
"We each play our little part through our working life, but it is the relationships with colleagues and clients and communities that define the highlights, especially where the endeavours have resulted in lasting networks and tangible positive outcomes for whole communities. That is what the role of engineering in the infrastructure sector is all about." – Ian Walsh, 2025.
