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Makohine Viaduct

11 Sep 2017

The Makohine Viaduct is an impressive engineering achievement. Its was one of many viaducts designed by engineer Peter Seton Hay (1852–1907) in the central part of the North Island Main Trunk (NIMT) railway. The Makohine Viaduct overcame the first major natural obstacle to the NIMT’s completion, spanning a bush-clad gorge, approximately two kilometres south of Ohingaiti.

Kōpuawhara Railway Viaduct

5 Sep 2017

Initially known as Waiau Stream Viaduct, this is one of six major viaducts on the Napier-Gisborne Railway, which was completed in 1942. The design was carried out in the Public Works Department's Head Office in Wellington under Charles William Oakey Turner, Chief Designing Engineer.

Chelsea Sugar Refinery

5 Sep 2017

The Chelsea Sugar Refinery commenced operation in 1884 and is notable because it is still New Zealand’s only sugar works. It’s one of the longest continuously functioning works in New Zealand and is one of Auckland’s most important industrial landmarks.

Remutaka Railway

5 Sep 2017

Surveyed by John Rochfort in 1870–71, the railway from Wellington as far as Kaitoke opened on 1 January 1878, and was extended to Featherston on 12 October 1878.

Peter Seton Hay (1852–1907)

5 Sep 2017

Peter Seton Hay was born in Glasgow and came with his parents to New Zealand in 1860. He was educated in Dunedin, becoming the first Bachelor of Arts (BA) of Otago University in 1877. He followed this with a Master of Arts (MA) with first-class honours in mathematics the next year.

James Wylde (1824–1908)

5 Sep 2017

James Wylde was born into a well-known musical family in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England, on 29 November 1824. They subsequently moved to London and he attended the Public school of Westminster. His older brother Henry became a founder and director of the London Academy of Music, a composer and long-time conductor of the New Philharmonic concerts and important in the history of English music.

George Thomas Murray (1859–1947)

5 Sep 2017

Born in Dunedin on 4 November 1859, George Murray was educated at Oamaru Grammar School. During 1877 and 1878 he attended Otago University. In August 1877, he entered the office of Barr and Oliver, civil engineers and surveyors, Dunedin, as a cadet. In December 1880, he qualified as an authorised surveyor.

Professional skills for effective site visits...

Online

14 Apr 2026

Gain practical skills and professional awareness needed for effective and confident site visits. You’ll learn how to set clear expectations, plan and structure visits, and build credibility and trust. You’ll also cover common challenges, including strategies for maintaining professionalism under pressure. This course is suited to engineers and project managers developing their client and consulting capability, including those newly arrived in New Zealand from other jurisdictions.

Five minutes with Rajesh Dhakal

3 Feb 2026

Take five with Professor Rajesh Dhakal, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Canterbury. Find out what inspired him to pursue engineering, how he incorporates AI into his teaching and what lessons his students have taught him over the years.

Natural hazard response and recovery resources

3 Feb 2026

We've compiled information and resources to support engineers responding to natural hazards and involved in response and recovery phases, including post-event assessments and natural hazard insurance claims.