Norman Firth graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) in 1966 and began work with KRTA (Kingston, Reynolds, Thom and Allardice), before leaving for two years to work on the Heathrow Tunnel Feasibility Project with Sir William Halcrow and Partners.
He returned to Auckland in 1969, and KRTA. From 1978 to 1980 he was Office Manager in the Philippines, working on the Philippines National Oil Company and National Power Corporation geothermal projects. Upon return, he continued working on geothermal projects, such as Northland’s Ngāwha Low Temperature Generation Assessment, Industrial Use Project in Jamaica, and Power Station Generation Upgrade Assessment in Kenya. Norman became a Director at KRTA, Principal in charge of Natural Resources in 1984 – a forerunner of Environmental Impact Assessments while undertaking numerous major project site selection studies for projects such as the relocation of Christchurch Railway Station (NZ Rail), site development plan for the Auckland Naval Base, development of the Auckland Railway Yards, and waterways restoration at Maketu Estuary, as well as geothermal energy projects assessments internationally.
He set up as an independent consultant in 1991, helping decision makers with technical planning, environmental assessments and community consultation. He worked on the Western Wastewater Strategy for Waitakere City Council, and provided important direction, ecological and technical support on water supply, stormwater and wastewater management across the region of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Norman joined Fraser Thomas Ltd as Principal in 1995 to focus on stormwater management and low impact urban design.
He served as Secretary of the IPENZ Environmental Committee for 15 years, assisting David Thom, and helped establish the Sustainability Society in 2002. He contributed to the development of the first IPENZ Sustainability Action Plan.
Norman retired in 2004.
Access
This oral history is held at the Auckland Council Libraries.
Date of Interview: 2024
