| 61 Solving unique problems T T Kim Newth From snow making systems and reservoirs on Coronet Peak, to the new Kawarau Falls Bridge, Hadley Consultants has undertaken a wide variety of projects. Hadley Consultants Queenstown-based civil and structural engineers, Hadley Consultants, have been solving unique problems in the lower South Island for 22 years and counting. With a reputation for providing cost effective, practical and design-focussed solutions for projects at any scale, this award-winning boutique consultancy epitomises the broad variety of work and exposure that engineers can expect across their profession. “We encourage our staff to question and think independently as they work to achieve different solutions; they find that approach really motivating,” says company founder James Hadley. “We are often approached to review work or find solutions to issues that others haven’t been able to solve. We find that projects and problems in engineering can initially be poorly defined; it is important to fully understand what it is the client or team is trying to solve and work that out first. That often brings fresh thinking or reveals something simple and obvious that can be taken forward as part of reaching the best design solution.” Far from being funnelled down a set pathway, Hadley Consultants have undertaken a wide variety of projects and engagements. The location of the head office in Queenstown has led to some interesting and unique projects over the years, from subdivisional land development to snow-making systems and reservoirs constructed on aged landslide at Coronet Peak; from garages and industrial buildings to highly loaded alpine structures; from harbour expansions in Milford to private wharfs; and adventure tourism structures and landmark projects such as the new Kawarau Falls Bridge. At Hadleys, something interesting is always happening. Consulting engineering often involves unusual challenges and Hadleys experience is no different. Most recently, the design of a gravity sewer with over 1,000m of height difference from start to finish triggered some hard thinking. One of the benefits of a smaller practice like Hadleys is that staff get hands on experience with a wide range of sectors and engineering projects. Additionally, Hadleys collaborate with other firms to undertake projects or engage specialist peer reviewers to work with them on design solutions. James says this gives great direct exposure for staff to some very talented and experienced like-minded people who are focussed on excellent engineering and best for project solutions. This means at times working with some of the best architects and engineers in the country as well as international designers. The breadth of exposure in a career in civil and/or structural engineering is important. James recalls his own experiences as a younger engineer when he was asked to design an aerodrome for a fly-in/fly-out mining operation in Australia. “My supervising engineer said at the time ‘who knows, you might end up having something to do with airports in the future’, so I picked up the relevant codes and got into the design; as it turned out, only a little over 10 years later I became a director of an airport company.” Hadleys team works extremely hard when required but are also encouraged to enjoy the stunning Queenstown environment – “if you’re looking for someone to ski, bike or hike with then you won’t have far to look. We all have pretty active lifestyles and our office culture is fairly relaxed.” Hadley Consultants cover a wide geographical area delivering projects in Southland, Central Otago, Fiordland, Dunedin, Marlborough and the Mackenzie Basin. The consultancy is always looking for talented structural engineers (senior, intermediate and grad levels), as well as civil engineers to join the Queenstown team. “We are often approached to review work or find solutions to issues that others haven’t been able to solve.” ENGINEERING 027 249 3896 davidbell@bgconsult.co.nz GEOTECHNICAL SPECIALISTS INDIFFICULT GROUND ENVIRONMENTAL & ENGINEERING GEOLOGY BELL GEOCONSULTING LTD GL B CLARK FORTUNE McDONALD LAND SURVEYORS - LAND DEVELOPMENT - PLANNING CONSULTANTS QUEENSTOWN | DUNEDIN | CHRISTCHURCH | GORE www.cmfa.co.nz
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