Our People
Fraser Thomas’ team includes sixteen Chartered Professional Engineers, three of whom are Fellows of Engineering New Zealand.
Our People
We have sixteen CPEng engineers and four licensed surveyors, your assurance that our staff are well qualified and experienced. Also as Members of Engineering New Zealand, ACE (Association of Consultants and Engineers) and Survey and Spatial NZ, we abide by high professional and ethical standards. Fraser Thomas employs a strong team structure led by company directors in each discipline. Combined with a high degree of interaction between teams, this enables us to offer a comprehensive and integrated range of services for a wide variety of projects, including land development, residential, commercial and industrial structures and developments, parks/sportsfields and landfills. We have strong links with other companies offering complementary disciplines such as planners, architects, landscape architects, arborists, traffic, lighting, electrical engineers etc.
Our team is headed by Greg Maddren, a highly qualified Civil & Environmental Engineer with over 30 years of hands-on experience. Greg is supported by a strong team of discipline based Directors, Associates and Principals.
DIRECTORS
Twelve highly qualified and experienced engineers and surveyors manage the Fraser Thomas Group
Greg Maddren
With over 37 years engineering experience, Greg leads the Fraser Thomas Group, while specialising in:
- Civil Engineering
- Water supply & wastewater
- Developing country water and sanitation
- Sewerage pump station and rising main design
- On-site effluent disposal system
- Stormwater management on industrial sites
- Complex industrial and commercial projects
Personal time: Greg’s interests outside of work encompass a wide spectrum of activities. He enjoys fishing in the Hauraki Gulf and Northland possies, skiing, crossfit, and motorsports. Family is central to his life, and he values spending quality time with loved ones.
Sean Finnigan
With over 26 years experience and a doctorate in the Environmental Engineering field, Sean is renowned for his expertise in:
- Stormwater/ leachate managementon operation & closed landfills
- Contaminated land
- Solid waste management
- Sportsfields/recreational facilities
- Wastewater
- Water supply
- Urban infrastructure improvement
- Expert witness
- Consenting
- Stormwater management & modelling
Personal time: Sean is an active father with a passion for physical fitness. He is a keen cyclist swimmer, and a runner. This allows Sean to keep up with his three young, and equally active, sons.
Stephen Eagle
33+ years experience in development projects. Stephen’s work environment incorporates a worldwide focus, including, but not exclusively encompassing:
- Environmental assessment and management planning
- Multidisciplinary team management
- Socio-economic assessment
- Advanced editing/report writing
- Project design
- Natural resource management.
- Community & village based forestry, technical advice
- Participatory land management planning
Personal time: Outside of work, Stephen makes the most of his time while home in NZ with his family, this typically includes hiking, singing, travel and DIY with his family
Kane Miller
With over 16 years’ experience in structural design and specialist construction methods, Kane is responsible for leading, supporting and directing our Structural Engineering team. Having worked both as a consultant and a design & build contractor, Kane’s specific areas of expertise are:
- Building / civil / industrial / marine infrastructure
- Assessment and strengthening of EQ prone buildings
- Architecturally designed residential and commercial buildings
- Structural alterations to existing structures
- Providing design and constructability advice
- Design and project management
- Temporary works design and construction methods
- Base isolation and base isolation retrofit
- Expert witness (structural engineering)
- Forensic engineering
Personal time: Kane is a dedicated family man, with a strong interest in sports (boxing, rugby), and the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. His love of his family and his pet dogs preoccupy this country boy.
Ben Holliss
Ben is a highly competent and versatile structural engineer with over 14 years experience. He has expertise in the structural design and supervision of residential, industrial, and commercial projects. These include, water retaining and soil retaining structures, investigation and assessment of damaged commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. Ben also specialises in the following:
- Assessment of the seismic performance & rating of existing building structures
- Design and specification of emergency securing works for Earthquake and impact damaged buildings
- Design of commercial, industrial and residential buildings
- Design and ground and water retaining structures
- Foundations in expansive soils
- Contract administration to NZS3910
- Structural damage assessment and remedial design.
- Investigation & assessment of existing buildings for structural damage & design of temporary securing works, reinstatement & strengthening
Personal Time: A father to two young girls, Ben’s home time is spent moulding the children into the next generation of Structural Engineers, as demonstrated through his considerable Lego collection, accumulated ‘for the girls’. Ben’s interests also include beer brewing, the clarinet, and tramping.
Martin Webb
With 36 years experience, Martin is a leader in the field of structural design and supervision, including residential, industrial and commercial projects. More recently, Martin has dedicated a vast portion of his time to the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery, working with EQC and local agencies to support the rebuild of the quake damaged region. Martin is recognised for his work in:
- Project Team Leader and project engineering
- Structural design of commercial, industrial & residential buildings
- Contract administration of commercial and industrial projects
- Investigation and forensic reporting
- Structural engineering design of site-works
Mason Reed
Responsible for managing the Christchurch branch and all our South Island geotechnical work. Mason is a specialist chartered professional (CPEng) geotechnical engineer with over 25 years experience. His areas of expertise include:
- Staff & Project management
- Engineering geology
- Foundation appraisals
- Liquefaction & Lateral spread assessments
- Forensic engineering assessments
- Slope stability assessments
- Geotechnical hazard assessments
- Investigations for residential and commercial developments
- Large & small scale subdivisions
- Investigations for sewage tank and pump station developments
Personal time: Literature and musical interests are how Mason likes to unwind outside of work. A keen guitarist and non-fiction reader, these are balanced by sporting interests, including golf.
Richard McLean
35+ years experience with Fraser Thomas in the Civil Engineering field, in medium to large scale specialised development projects. Richard specialises in:
- Civil engineering project management
- Solid waste facilities & sanitary landfills
- Contract administration, supervision and quality assurance
- Stormwater quality and quantity management, hydrological evaluation and hydraulic modelling.
- Road & pavement designs
- Wastewater & water reticulation
- Earthworks & sediment control
- Rural, Residential and Commercial subdivisions
- Civil CAD computer design and earthworks modelling.
- Grand Prix race Circuit and facilities
Personal time: A surfer since he was young, Richard still makes time to ride the waves, however, if the tides are not favourable, an in-depth discussion on art culture will also help him unwind.
Alistair Stuart
With 16 years experience in engineering geology and geotechnical engineering, Alistair is responsible for planning and supervision of the geotechnical team, geotechnical investigations, geotechnical and geological mapping and preparation of geotechnical factual and interpretative reporting relating to foundation considerations. Alistair has a wide range of experience, which also includes specialist skills with:
- Engineering geology
- Geomorphology
- Foundation design and inspection
- Geotechnical design
- Forensic investigations
- Groundwater and slope stability analyses
- Geotechnical assessments and project management
- Earthworks supervision
Personal time: Alistair has a variety of interests outside of his work commitments. He is a dedicated gym-goer, prioritising physical fitness as part of his routine; a committed Star Wars Lego collector, and strong supporter of the All Blacks.
Paul Wilson
With 30 years experience, Paul leads Barry Satchell Consultants (BSCL) whose team complete a large variety of residential and commercial infill re-developments requiring solutions to a complex range of issues. Paul undertakes concepts development, design and construction management of Public and Private infrastructure for Land development projects and brings a unique set of skills to our clients’ projects due to experience as a Developer, Contractor and Consultant which is of great value in creating solutions. Paul is responsible for BSCL Engineering Survey team who provide Construction setout, as builts, monitoring and 3D scanning of very large, complex commercial building projects on some of Auckland’s most iconic projects.
- Feasibility assessment and recommendations
- Civil engineering design and project management for land development
- Stormwater design and management
- Consultation and resource consent preparation
- Contract management, monitoring, engineer to contract
- Specialist expertise in pavement engineering and roading design and construction
Personal time: Family is Paul’s top priority, however, a renewed passion for skiing has him heading for the slopes during the colder weather, with fishing and travelling filling spare time over the warmer months.
Jake McKenzie
Jake is a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor with over 14 years of experience in a multitude of various surveying and land development projects. He has consulted in a number of urban, rural, and unit title developments throughout Auckland; this was undertaking tasks from purchase feasibility, negotiation of subdivision and other resource consents, civil works design, civil and building set-out, through to the issue of new titles. Jake has overseas experience, spending two years working in the United Kingdom.
Jake focuses on providing practical advice to land owners to maximise their investment potential.
Personal time: Jake is renowned for his passionate support of the Warriors, which he balances with family time, running and surfing.
Adam Mead
Adam is a Senior Technician Surveyor who is responsible for the day to day management and programming of the survey teams within our Highbrook Office. He has over 30 years experience in both cadastral and engineering surveying. Adam has worked within the Auckland Region for the entirety of his career and has an extremely strong background in data collection, topographical and cadastral surveys, as well as:
- Setting out surveys
- Electronic data management
- Monitoring surveys
- Topographical surveys
- Land transfer survey.
- Project management
- Quality Assurance
Personal time: Adam’s main interest outside of work is undoubtedly the art of fishing, however, when fishing conditions are less than ideal, he can be found at his local rugby club, on the golf course, or out on the farm.
ASSOCIATES & MANAGERS
From managing the teams to intricate design work, our Associates and Managers have a wealth of experience and broad skill-sets.
Justin Adamson
Justin is a Civil Engineer with more than 16 years of experience in major civil engineering projects around the world. Justin’s knowledge extends across a broad range of engineering disciplines particularly at three waters, utility service and general civil design, with specialist expertise in:
- Major Civil Projects design management
- leading a multidisciplinary team
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project Management
- Three waters design
- Construction and Contractor procurement and management
- Construction monitoring, quality inspections and reporting
Personal time: Justin is an avid surfer who eagerly seeks opportunities to catch some waves. Beyond the sea, he’s a dedicated supporter of underdog rugby teams, particularly the Southland Stags and the Highlanders.
David Mawhinney
David is a Senior Surveyor with over 21 years of
experience in the survey industry. In recent years, David’s primary role has been as internal project manager to multi-stage residential developments. In the post-2010/2011 Christchurch earthquake period, David managed delivery of survey services to an insurance company which was a project of over 7 years duration and delivered thousands of various types of surveys. This project also provided experience with litigated claims requiring expert witness services.
David’s specific areas of expertise are:
- Residential and commercial developments
- Urban and rural cadastral surveying
- Earth deformation and monitoring surveys
- Post-earthquake boundary work
- Project and staff management
- Small and large-scale topographical surveys
Personal time: When he isn’t being a dedicated taxi driver for his two children, David keeps fit with ‘old man masters’, and in summer, 5-a-side football. He and his wife also enjoy day walks, both for fitness and leisure, while regular gym sessions keep him fit for football.
Debbie McCarthy
Debbie has been with us for over 16 years, currently providing support with Marketing, Human Resources, and general office administration, including:
- Recruitment support
- Onboarding
- Employee record keeping
- Policies/procedures
- Manage brand and marketing initiatives
- HR & marketing reporting
Personal time: Debbie has a range of interests that include both physical activities and creative pursuits. She is a competitive tennis player and relishes the challenges presented by various racquet sports.
Alastair McNabb
Alastair McNabb is a highly capable Professional Engineer of 16 years’ experience with a very strong background in water related design and project leadership, construction monitoring and contract administration; possessing the flexibility and aptitude to work both independently and collaboratively across teams throughout the complete project lifecycle from design conception and optioneering through to detailed design and defects liability. Alastair’s expertise also includes:
- Advanced pipeline and channel hydraulics and civil/mechanical design in three waters
- Managing multi-discipline projects, resourcing and financing
- Monitoring and managing project risk, programme, budget and change processes
- Administration of construction contracts NZS 3910
- Significant construction monitoring expertise
- Enforcement of construction contract conditions and quality requirements
- Auditing site health, safety and environmental compliance and enact improvement
Raquel Miller
Raquel is a Senior Engineering Geologist, with 10 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering and specialist construction methods. Raquel is responsible for managing all work in the Nelson and Marlborough region, whilst completing her Master’s in Business
Administration (MBA) through the University of Canterbury. Having worked both as a consultant and a design and build contractor, Raquel has gained experience working on various major projects throughout New Zealand.
Raquel’s specific areas of expertise are:
- Engineering Geology and geotechnical engineering
- Deep foundations – ground improvement, deep basements
- Hydrogeology
- Construction and earthworks supervision
- Geotechnical hazard assessments
- Foundation engineering
- Seismic assessments related to rockfall, liquefaction and lateral spreading
- Investigations ranging from small to major projects
- Project management
- Business development
Son Nguyen
A highly competent civil engineer with 17 years’ experience in the civil design and construction supervision for residential, commercial and industrial land development, subdivision and municipal drainage projects. Son’s specialist skills incorporate:
- Flood risk assessment and design of earthworks
- Erosion and sediment control
- Stormwater and wastewater drainage
- Stormwater treatment and detention
- Water supply reticulation
- Parking, access and roading
Personal time: Son is passionate about socially and environmentally sustainable urban living, reflecting his green infrastructure and water-sensitive design focus. He is also a practical handyman with a never-ending list of DIY projects. In their spare time, Son and his three young children love surfcasting at the Hawke’s Bay beaches.
Craig Reeves
Craig is a Senior Civil Engineer with over 28 years’ experience within the field of Civil Engineering and Infrastructure. His strengths include identifying and assessing any land development infrastructural constraints along with implementing project control measures such as project timelines, schedules, and risk analysis, including managing a number of medium to large civil engineering projects. Craig’s expertise also includes:
- Civil engineering project management
- Contract supervision
- 3 Water evaluation & design
- Hydrological evaluation and hydraulic modelling
- Road and pavement designs
- Wastewater and water reticulation
- Earthworks and sediment control
- Contract supervision
Personal time: Physical fitness is a central part of Craig’s lifestyle, keeping fit by running, gym workouts, soccer, golf and the odd bit of wakeboarding.
Fiona Wansbone
As Financial Manager, Fiona has supported the Fraser Thomas Group with her extensive experience, for over 5 years. She is a qualified accountant, working in the Auckland area for over 20 years.
Fiona’s specialist skills include:
- Accounts receivable and payable
- Payroll management
- Financial reporting & management analysis
- Preparation and filing of tax returns
- Supporting the directors in company administration
Personal time: Away from the office, Fiona enjoys hanging out with her family, and spends the summer as head scorer for HP baseball club, and spends the winter cheering for the Warriors.
Sarah Wigg
Sarah is a competent and organised office manager, with 4+ years of experience. Her strengths enable her to provide seamless support for the day to day running of the office.
Sarah’s expertise includes:
- Administration
- Invoicing & financial support
- Event organisation
- IT support
- Support to directors
- Staff onboarding
Personal time: Sarah is a dedicated new mother, embracing the joys and responsibilities that come with this new chapter in her life. Her home life is a balanced blend of motherhood, gardening, and fitness.
Gary Blyth
Gary is a Registered Professional and Licensed Surveyor with over 38 years’ experience. He manages the Company’s Land Development and Surveying Teams and is responsible for marketing, securing and completion of the projects. Gary’s technical expertise is in:
- Cadastral, topographical and engineering surveying
- Feasibility assessment for land development
- Preparation of Resource Consent Applications
- Consultation and liaison with affected parties
- Project management.
- Land development
- As built engineering surveys
- Due-diligence assessments
Personal time: Gary’s personal interests are a mix of outdoor activities and spending time with family; these include leisurely walks and cycling in the great outdoors, travel, and savouring the culinary delights of his local restaurants.
