Our People

Sam Smith

Laser Scanning & BIM Specialist

Originally from an architecture and construction background, Sam has considerable experience in the planning, programming, and delivery of some of New Zealand’s largest and most complex 3D laser scanning projects.  Prior to joining Woods, he was integral in the development and growth of 3D Laser Scanning in New Zealand.  In this time he also developed a keen interest and knowledge in Building Information Modelling (BIM), more specifically its potential to be correctly applied in pre-design, design, and building operations activities.  While there is a natural union with 3D laser scanning and BIM, it is Sam’s interest and passion for current and emerging technologies keeps him busy finding ways to further innovate, optimise, and implement, technology for the benefit of Woods’ clients.

Todd Fraser

Principal Engineer

Todd has been a civil and structural engineer for over 22 years working in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Todd’s expertise is in drawing together all the strands of land development to effectively work with clients to deliver a completed project. With increasing intensification this has meant collaborating on traffic, geo-technical, stormwater, servicing and architectural issues with a clear understanding of sequencing and staging decisions.

Mark Cochran

Director & South Island Manager

Responsible for Woods’ South Island operation, Mark is a surveyor and engineer with over 20 years’ experience. He is renowned for his work on a broad spectrum of design, planning and surveying projects (infrastructure, commercial and residential) for both public and private sector clients. A career highlight was working for eight years on Auckland’s Stonefields residential development.

Donna Green

Office Manager

Donna heads our administration team and works with the four directors to ensure the smooth management of the company and both the Auckland and Christchurch offices. She has vast experience in all accounts functions, payroll, and various financials for the company. Donna is key in coordinating the multitude of functions required to keep Woods running like a well-oiled machine, which includes; Overseeing training and development of all staff, working closely with the H&S Manager to ensure systems and processes are up to date and adhered,  the implementation of HR policies, practices and procedures, working with senior management team on staff recruitment, ensuring Woods complies with legislation and deals with all aspects of employee relations, implements and monitors Performance Management systems, plus much, much more.

Phil Heffernan

Planning Manager - Principal

Phil is responsible for Woods’ planning operation. He has over 13 years’ experience in planning, consultation, iwi liaison, environmental assessment and project management for both public and private sector clients. Phil has delivered projects throughout New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and Asia. Career highlights include attending Auckland Unitary Plan hearings, delivering an AusAid project in Solomon Islands, a 660 MW Power Station in Indonesia, a land use study in Northern Territory, Australia and the Puhoi to Warkworth Road of National Significance.

Priscila Besen

Architectural Designer - Sustainability Specialist

Priscila is an architectural designer with a background in thermal comfort and energy efficiency research, with experience with sustainability in different scales in Brazil, USA and New Zealand which includes consultancy for green building certification. As a Certified Passive House Designer and holding a Master of Architecture in Sustainable Design, her interest is in creating healthier, more comfortable and efficient buildings.

Clare Allan

Senior Administrator / Accounts

Clare is our Project Administrator, she is a very versatile and experienced member of our administration team, having worked on multi-million projects across New Zealand. Clare manages our computer security systems, all our accounts and deals with HR issues backing up our Office Manager.  Clare works across all projects throughout the company and is key in ensuring the effective delivery of projects and communication within them.    

Matthew Wallace

Project Manager - Senior Associate

Matthew has over 18 years experience in land development, predominantly in the field of project management and delivering high quality residential and industrial subdivisions. He leads a team of engineers that are focused on ensuring cost effective and time efficient solutions.  Matthew is a regularly asked to be a contributor and reviewer of Council guidelines in relation to stormwater and erosion and sediment control management.

Ben Pain

Engineer - Associate

A Chartered Professional Engineer, Ben has expertise in infrastructure engineering, land development engineering, and project management. Ben especially enjoys complex infrastructure projects that are becoming a normal part of any land development process.  Ben’s key areas of expertise are sediment & erosion control design, wastewater pump stations, and multidisciplinary projects while maintaining proficiency in land development engineering design and management. While at Woods, Ben set up and managed the company social football team which has competed in the Inter Engineering Football Championship for the last 3 years.

Owen Clements

Engineering Manager - Senior Associate

Owen manages a team focussed on the design, implementation and delivery of small- to large-scale residential and commercial developments. Having worked in the industry for 13 years, Owen has a comprehensive understanding of cadastral surveying, civil engineering, resource management and land development processes. He enjoys coordinating within project teams, comprising Woods and external consultants, and delivering developments for our clients.

Mark Williams

Director

As a Director, Mark has a responsibility to do the right thing — for both Woods’ clients and staff. Since graduating in 1986, he has specialised in land development, an industry that has changed a great deal over the years. The most significant driver for Mark is that the work Woods undertakes results in places people want to live. So, to him, it is vital this ‘end game’ is always to the fore. Teaming this aspiration with the goals of a broad client base is a rewarding challenge that has kept Mark invigorated throughout his career.

Allan Vorster

Senior Associate Engineer

Allan is a Civil Engineering Technologist with over 28 years’ experience in the civil engineering sector. He has extensive experience in urban site development projects such as shopping centres, business parks, residential land developments, warehouses, factories, hospitals, schools including multi storey buildings with deep below ground basements/parking facilities. Allan specialises in the design/ construction monitoring and engineering management of bulk earthworks, sub-soil drainage, stormwater, wastewater, water supply, roads and vehicle parking facilities.

William Cheung

Survey Manager (Land Transfer) - Senior Associate

Having worked in the industry for over 15 years, William has extensive experience in all aspects of cadastral surveying. This includes simple land subdivisions, unit titles, cross leases, easement and legislation surveys. William has expertise in construction set-out and project management. He has also completed a number of in-fill subdivisions, which includes lot layout and infrastructure design, engineering supervision, client representation and managing consent all the way through to final compliance.

Jamie Whyte

Engineer (Project Co-ordination) - Senior Associate

A registered surveyor, Jamie has expertise in land development engineering and project coordination. He enjoys the multidisciplinary aspect of land development — the process of translating and coordinating ideas from a range of experts to create the desired urban outcomes. While at Woods, Jamie has held several roles on some of New Zealand’s biggest projects, all while competing as a professional Ironman athlete from 2007 to 2013, Jamie balanced work and sporting life to reach a highlight of winning Challenge Wanaka in 2011. He has since scaled back the cardio output for a greater focus on his role at Woods. However, he still enjoys running. In 2016, he competed in a seven-day Transalpine run from Germany to Italy with his wife, Fiona.

Michael Bates

Surveyor - Associate

Rowan Hallam

Survey Manager (Laser Scanning) - Senior Associate

Rowan specialises in surveying technology and innovation. He leads the 3D laser scanning and modelling team that he pioneered at Woods. Making Woods one of the first companies in New Zealand with the technology. Having worked in the industry for over 15 years, Rowan has broad experience in all aspects of cadastral surveying and land development process. He also has extensive construction surveying experience due to working in the UK on some of the country’s largest construction projects.

Michelle Fletcher

Surveyor - Associate

Michelle is part of our great Christchurch Surveying team. She is a senior technical expert Licensed in Cadastral Surveying with over 20 year’s specialist experience. Prior to joining Woods Michelle was a surveyor within the public sector working for a City Council for over 15 years with extensive exposure to the surveying requirements of Local Authorities.  At Woods she is involved primarily in Land development projects ranging from Unit developments to cross lease conversions to rural to boundary adjustment subdivisions. These compliment her vast knowledge of legalisation surveys.  Michelle is also an active member of the New Zealand Institute of surveyors for many years, Michelle is currently serving on the ASaTS LINZ working group representing Licensed Cadastral Surveyors.

Sam Hackett

Senior Surveyor - Mobile Mapping

Sam has been involved in surveying for 15 years working in Northland New Zealand, Queensland Australia, and now in Auckland.  During his time in Queensland, he was involved with high-value industrial projects, residential projects and Lidar mapping projects.  He developed expertise with Mobile Laser Scanning, Terrestrial laser scanning and Lidar processing.  Sam manages the Woods Mobile Laser Scanning, oversees day to day field and office surveying work, and also is directly involved with specific land development, monitoring and mapping projects.

Paul Edmond

Urban Design & Architectural Manager - Principal

Paul is a registered architect with more than three decades of experience in residential, commercial and interiors projects. Paul is also extensively involved in the wider community as the chair of the Urban Issues Group (Auckland branch) advocating for better design and communities. The establishment of his Architecture and Urban Design team in 2013, extended the services Woods offers its clients. This has enabled greater design co-ordination and project efficiency early on and throughout the project. Something that sets us apart from other engineering firms. Current projects that he is working on range from urban mixed-use developments of brownfield sites, multi-unit housing, and individual homes for private clients.

Brian Flood

Director & Principal Engineer

Brian has been an Associate of Woods since 2008 with 30 years’ professional experience as a civil engineer. He has worked on a wide variety of master planned developments and infrastructure projects throughout New Zealand, China and Europe. He is frequently sought for complex multi-disciplinary projects. Brian specialises in the delivery of site and route selection for a range of infrastructure, energy and utility projects, providing integrated design solutions and mitigation strategies in both urban and rural locations. He is also an experienced and recognised expert witness, presenting evidence before council, the Environment Court and Board of Inquiry hearings.

Euan Williams

Principal Planner

Euan has over 20 years’ experience in planning, resource consents, strategic policy, and project management for local government and private sector clients. Euan specialises in developing consent strategies for the residential, rural, commercial and infrastructure sectors. He has worked as an independent planning consultant and held team management positions in Auckland Council before joining Woods in 2016. Euan brings a strong technical knowledge of the Resource Management Act, has extensive hearings experience, and has been an expert planning witness in the Environment Court. Euan is involved the development of several large scale communities in Long Bay, Wainui-Milldale and Paerata.

Joanne Cochrane

Project Engineer

Joanne is a lead engineer at Woods. She is known for her attention to detail and practical approach to engineering challenges, which result in innovative design solutions where careful consideration is given to long-term functionality, ease of construction and efficient use of resources. Before becoming an engineer, Joanne was trained in animation and used to create privately commissioned artworks. She still uses those skills at Woods in various design, modelling and video creation programmes, To enhance consultation and communication with clients, stakeholders and other third parties, Which Includes promotional material.

Manu Miskell

Engineer - Senior Associate

Manu is an engineer with seven years’ experience. Based in the Christchurch office, he has worked on the design and delivery of many large- and small-scale projects in the South Island. Manu thrives in a team environment and enjoys providing practical solutions to complex problems. He gets real satisfaction from seeing his designs completed to a high standard.

Colin Dryland

Senior Associate

Colin leads a team that delivers all manner and scales of land development projects from conception to completion. With over 15 years industry experience, he specialises in design and management of land development projects, road upgrades and stormwater management systems – with a focus on project delivery and cost control. Having qualifications and experience in both Architecture and Engineering, Colin is known for his ability to combine these disciplines and deliver the end-user outcomes that create environments where people love to live, work, and play.  

Neil Cox

Survey Manager (Christchurch) - Senior Associate

Neil oversees the Surveying team in Christchurch. He is involved in all aspects of surveying from 3D laser scanning, multi-lot subdivisions to two-lot subdivisions. Having worked in the industry for over 20 years, Neil has broad experience in all aspects of cadastral surveying and land development process. Neil also has extensive construction surveying experience due having worked in the UK and his ongoing involvement with the Christchurch rebuild.

Pranil Wadan

Stormwater Engineer - Senior Associate

A chartered professional engineer with over nine years’ experience, Pranil manages the Woods stormwater team. Pranil is an expert in stormwater management, stormwater infrastructure design, flood modelling, flood hazard and overland flow-path assessments, He is often called on to provide expert evidence in the Environment Court and in Board of Inquires. His projects span the range of development scales and types including greenfield and brownfield sites, multi-unit housing, and commercial projects.  

Steven Haslemore

Senior GIS Developer - GIS Team Leader

Steven brings a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data processing and analysis and web development portfolio of skills to Woods. This combination provides the means to tackle complex spatial analysis and create custom environments to aggregate, review and interact with the results and wider spatial data landscape including 3D laser scanning and BIM models. Project experience ranges from large scale automated land suitability analysis across 29 Councils for New Zealand largest landholder, traffic pattern analysis derived from cell tower location tracking, to underground blasting vibration calculation and visualization for constrained subway environments.

Daniel Williams

Managing Director

Daniel has been a Director of Woods over 20 years and Managing Director for the last ten. He has over 25 years’ professional experience as a surveyor with involvement in a broad range of projects including master planned communities, large infrastructure builds and commercial developments throughout New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. He has a proven track record of delivering projects of varying complexity and is often sought to fulfil the role of project leader. He has implemented technological changes in Woods that have included laser scanning and Geo-Spatial data, the increasing use of 3D software for visualisation, and the addition of urban design and architecture team to integrate land and building development as our built environments are becoming ever more complex.

 

Gabriela Olekszyk

GIS Specialist

Gabriela used to be a surveyor in Western Australia, where she gained experience working in the mining industry and residential sector. This gave her a valuable insight into work environments ranging from small scale subdivisions to large, ongoing, multidisciplinary projects. Gabriela joined Woods as a GIS specialist, and is now developing web based maps to improve access to information. She is also involved in projects requiring GIS format data collection or output. She is currently designing mobile GIS applications for use by our field staff.

Thanujah Haran

Associate Engineer

Thanujah has considerable experience in the design and delivery of highway and land development infrastructure projects. Having worked extensively on major infrastructure and brownfield developments both in Australia and New Zealand, she understands the main drivers associated with challenging projects.

Kendall Reid

Surveyor

As a qualified surveyor, Kendall’s career has been diverse in both location and surveying discipline.  She began her career in 2010 with a focus on large-scale land development and was also a surveyor in the red zone in Christchurch during the management and recovery period of the Canterbury earthquakes.  In 2014, she moved to London to work for survey manufacturer Leica Geosystems as a technical representative for market leading Total Stations, GPS and Laser Scanning equipment.  Since moving to Auckland in 2016 she has refocused her career on large scale land development surveying, with her involvement and management of some of the largest residential developments in Auckland.

Tim James

Director

Tim is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors and a Member of the Urban Land Institute. With nearly 30 years experience in Land Development in the Auckland, Coromandel and Northland regions. As part of his involvement with the Urban Land Institute, he toured various developments across North America researching the development of Residential developments including a range of coastal developments along the Emerald Coast, with a view to current international practices of planning for growth. This has lead to Tim leading some of New Zealand's significant large-scale developments that include; Wainui East & Silverdale West, Orewa / Silverdale and Cambridge South    

Richard Lawton

Survey Manager - Senior Associate

With over 20 years’ experience, Richard has worked in New Zealand and abroad. His expertise lies in all aspects of cadastral surveying and land development. Part of Richard's role involves project managing and undertaking the surveying and engineering design aspects of in-fill and smaller scale subdivisions.  He is client-focussed and works with others at Woods to achieve desired outcomes in a timely and efficient manner.

Sean Wu

Senior Urban Designer

Sean is a Senior Urban and Architectural designer with over 13 years’ experience over a broad range of projects in New Zealand, Australia and Middle East. He has experience in both urban design and architectural projects, with abilities as a conceptual designer at both a master planning and detailed level. His ability to manage and systematic approach means better results that exceeds brief and expectation and creates strong financial returns.

Katie Bowdler

Senior Planner

Katie has over 8 years’ experience in planning across both the private and local government sector. This experience includes four years at Auckland Council, Woods and the Piritahi Alliance preparing resource consent applications for Kāinga Ora. This has involved the lodgement and processing of a wide range of notified and non-notified resource consent applications to deliver network infrastructure, large scale subdivisions, residential terraced and apartment units, early childcare centres and commercial activities. Katie has extensive experience in greenfield subdivision and development having lead multiple projects in Huapai, Hobsonville, Millwater and Milldale.