Obituaries

Robert Anthony Peacocke (Bob) CMEngNZ

1942–2022

Bob Peacocke CMEngNZ has been described as “truly one of the industry greats”. After attending several primary schools in Auckland and Waikato, then St Patrick’s College, Silverstream, Bob studied engineering at the University of Canterbury, graduating in 1966. He also joined Te Ao Rangahau that year, and went on to become a Life Member.

His early roles were with the Ministry of Works in Wellington and Tongariro, followed by projects at Tiwai Point, Kinleith and Hamilton, where he was Area Manager for Hawkins Construction.

His career included working overseas in Dubai, Australia and Western Samoa, focusing on many differing facets of civil engineering and project management, with management a key strength.

Bob was also involved in a range of governance work and was a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand. His contribution to engineering is summed up by a close colleague: “He was principled, firm but fair, technically competent, a good communicator and a successful engineering practitioner.”

Bruce Henry Williams CMEngNZ CPEng

1940–2022

Born in Greymouth, Bruce Henry Williams CMEngNZ CPEng moved to Christchurch before starting school. He studied engineering at the University of Canterbury and began work at Christchurch City Council, where he stayed for about 10 years. His major project there was the Lichfield Street car park which remained after the earthquakes.

Bruce studied transport engineering in Australia before moving to Palmerston North, then to Hastings to work for the council’s roading and engineering department.

In the early 1980s he joined architects Len Hoogerbrug and Paris Magdalinos, creating multidiscliplinary firm Hoogerbrug Magdalinos and Williams. When the partnership dissolved later that decade, Bruce became a sole practitioner, with both his former partners as clients.

He became a “go to” person for many architects, designers, contractors and private clients as well as the transport fabricators. He has been described as a talented, dedicated engineer, a gentleman, and friend to many.

Eric Timothy Smith CMEngNZ

1927–2022

Eric Smith CMEngNZ joined Te Ao Rangahau in 1947 and went on to become a Life Member, maintaining his commitment to the profession until he died. He began his career in Auckland at the Ministry of Works. His first assignment was the concrete retaining wall along the inner side of Tamaki Drive in Auckland, which still stands today. He then joined Whangarei Borough Council in the early 1950’s and also established his own engineering practice during that decade, incorporating architects. In 1959 he went to Germany to understand glass-making practices and established a glass works in Whangarei. He witnessed the Berlin Wall being erected while he was in Germany. Eric also spent time in Samoa, first living there in 1967, working for Volunteer Service Abroad, and over the next two decades working on large complex projects including Samoa Parliament House, the extension of Faleolo Airport to accommodate jumbo jets, and a significant coral reef reclamation for a resort.

Eric was a civil structural consulting engineer who had a great interest in pipes and water flow, publishing work on this topic. He was a “computer buff” and remained so until his final days. In the 1960s he’d pioneered using computers in an engineering practice. He’ll be remembered by many for his interest and development of young engineers.

Malcolm Douglass FEngNZ

1932–2022

Malcolm Douglass FEngNZ has been described as a principled, courteous and unfailingly cheerful man whose contributions to Aotearoa’s planning, engineering, conservation and arts community made New Zealand a better place. After studying engineering at the University of Canterbury, he began his career at the Whanganui City Council in 1955. This engineering work prompted him to study at Birmingham University, United Kingdom, for a Master of Science in Transportation Planning.

In 1969, Malcolm received Te Ao Rangahau’s Rabone Award for his paper “Traffic Planning and the Functions of a Road Network”.

During the 1980s and 1990s, he was Chief Executive of the Canterbury Regional Council, and Director of Planning at Porirua City Council. In 1998, Malcolm established his own consultancy and continued to assist central and local government. In addition, he was a part-time lecturer and an independent planning hearings commissioner.

In 2007, he published A Wheel On Each Corner, recording the achievements of Te Ao Rangahau’s Transportation Group. He held many committee positions relating to engineering and planning, including Chair of this group.

In 2008, he was given the Turner Award for Professional Commitment. He relished being voted best lecturer by his final cohort of students at Lincoln University, a tribute which sums up his passion for profession, and his gift for sharing it.