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Helping the Nelson community deal with flooding and landslides after a major storm event

At a Glance

  • 450

    Landslides

  • 1K

    Millimetres of Rain

  • >1.2K

    People Evacuated

Location
Nelson, New Zealand
Offices
Client
  • Nelson Tasman Civil Defence
Partners
  • Beca
  • WSP
  • Tonkin & Taylor
  • PDP

Nelson Storm Event Emergency Response

In August 2022, Nelson and the surrounding Tasman area experienced a 1-in-120-year rainfall event that triggered hundreds of landslides and immense flooding in the region—impacting state highways, local infrastructure, and almost 600 properties. The Maitai River, usually measuring two cubic metres, rose to 460 cubic metres overnight. As the number of landslides began to grow, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence asked us to organize and lead a geotechnical response unit.

Within 24 hours, we established an incident room, GIS capture tool, and digital dashboard, coordinating with local geotechnical engineers inspecting and assessing the landslides. Following initial success with these efforts, we soon added bridge and building inspections and riverbank assessments. We also provided technical leadership to the regional emergency management team, presenting at public and media briefings—this included escorting then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern around damaged properties.

This unique opportunity to assist the region and collaborate with other local consultants, ultimately delivering an exceptional emergency response, allowed us to give back to our community when it mattered most.

At a Glance

  • 450

    Landslides

  • 1K

    Millimetres of Rain

  • >1.2K

    People Evacuated

Location
Nelson, New Zealand
Offices
Client
  • Nelson Tasman Civil Defence
Partners
  • Beca
  • WSP
  • Tonkin & Taylor
  • PDP

Meet Our Team

Grant Maxwell, Growth Leader, Infrastructure Resilience

I want to build geo-resilient communities that can cope with an uncertain future.

Steph McLeod, Senior Project Management & Commercial Leader/Project Delivery Leader, ANZ

I am passionate about helping our project teams deliver successful outcomes in line with our values and client expectations.
Steph McLeod Senior Project Management & Commercial Leader/Project Delivery Leader, ANZ Read More

James Newton, Project Delivery Lead, Team Leader, Transportation

I enjoy working as a trusted advisor—I’m passionate about collaborating alongside clients to create community benefiting outcomes.
James Newton Project Delivery Lead, Team Leader, Transportation Read More

Roy Ching, Engineering Geologist

I collaborate with teams across various sectors that provide infrastructure solutions to help keep communities functioning.

Grant Maxwell

Growth Leader, Infrastructure Resilience

Steph McLeod

Senior Project Management & Commercial Leader/Project Delivery Leader, ANZ

James Newton

Project Delivery Lead, Team Leader, Transportation

Roy Ching

Engineering Geologist

We’re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

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