Surveying+Spatial Issue 116 Winter 2024

Winter Edition 2024 #116

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYING PROFILE FERNTECH – DRONE SURVEY CERTIFICATION ROB LONGLEY – 60 YRS A SURVEYOR

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• EDITORIAL

Focusing on Certification

I

n this winter edition, Surveying + Spatial is focusing on the official launch of the Survey and Spatial New Zealand Certification framework.

The new framework has been the result of the suc-

cessful 2022 pilot programme and delivers a recognised professional pathway for S+SNZ members across all levels, ensuring mandatory continuing professional development.

We outline the criteria for the current certification programmes offered – including certified professional engineering surveyor, certified professional land development engineer and the pathway for hydrographic certification (co-sponsored with the Geospatial Council

extensive and illustrious career in surveying over the years

of Australia).

and, with no current plans for retirement, he is still proving

We take a look at what these competencies require and profile two recent participants of the pilot programme.

They share their thoughts and recommendations from the

to be a pivotal member of the Land Matters survey team in Ōtaki, enjoying the job he loves.

In our legal column this edition, following on from our

certification process and discuss the new opportunities that

certification framework theme, Glaister Ennor’s Anthea

have ensued from taking the certification path.

Coombe examines legislative frameworks in land develop-

Also in this edition, the Ferntech team discusses the

ments in New Zealand.

drone certification process and New Zealand’s Civil Aviation

Lastly, we are greatly saddened to announce the recent

Authority requirements for safe and legal drone operation

passing of former Survey + Spatial NZ chief executive, Hadyn

for professional surveyors.

Smith. As a tribute to Hadyn’s memory and his service to the

We celebrate surveyor Rob Longley’s remarkable 64-year milestone in surveying. Now aged 83, Rob has had an

survey and spatial professions, we include an obituary in this edition to celebrate his many achievements.

•

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 1

Survey and Spatial

New Zealand TĀTAI WHENUA

Contents Winter Edition 2024

SURVEYING+SPATIAL

ISSUE 116 WINTER 2024 A publication of Survey and Spatial New Zealand, Tātai Whenua.

ISSN 2382-1604 www.surveyspatialnz.org

EDITOR

1

Editorial Rachel Harris

6

Special Feature: Survey and Spatial New Zealand Certification Framework

Rachel Harris surveyingspatial@gmail.com All rights reserved. Abstracts and brief quotations may be made, providing reference is credited to Surveying +Spatial. Complete papers or large extracts of text may not be printed or reproduced without the permission of the editor.

Correspondence relating to literary items in Surveying+Spatial may be addressed to the editor. Papers, articles and letters to the editor, suitable for publication, are welcome.

Papers published in Surveying+Spatial are not refereed. All correspondence relating to business aspects, including subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Chief Executive Survey and Spatial New Zealand PO Box 5304 Lambton Quay Wellington 6140 New Zealand Phone: 04 471 1774 Fax: 04 471 1907 Web address: www.surveyspatialnz.org Email: admin@surveyspatialnz.org

Distributed free to members of S+SNZ. Published in March, June, September and December by S+SNZ.

DESIGN & PRINT MANAGEMENT GOODHERE – www.goodhere.nz hello@goodhere.nz

TO ADVERTISE Email: admin@surveyspatialnz.org or contact Tara Ranchhod +64 4 471 1774

10 Meet the Assessors: Elevating Excellence in Surveying

6

13 NZDS Moves to Better Meet Industry Needs

By Hugh Wilson 14 Hiring tips to stay on the pulse of AI assisted CVs

16

16 Navigating Drone Certification in New Zealand

By Ferntech

18 Antarctica Likely a Carbon Storage Powerhouse

By NIWA

21

21 Rob Longley: Sixty Years a Surveyor

By Ian Carson

25 Legal Column: Legislative Frameworks

By Anthea Coombe, Glaister Ennor

25

29 Business Management: How to Succeed in Business Management

By Edward O’Leary, Abtrac 31 New Landonline Survey Features – Targeted Release Dates

29

33 News: Otago Team Wins Space Technology Challenge

By Otago University School of Surveying 35 Obituary: Hadyn Sidney Smith

35 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 3

• SPECIAL FEATURE Overview

Survey and Spatial

At Survey and Spatial New Zealand, we are proud to offer

New Zealand

three industry-leading certification programs designed

TĀTAI WHENUA

to set the benchmark for excellence and maintain public

Survey and Spatial New Zealand Certification Framework

Hydrographic Certification (co-sponsored with the GeoSpatial Council of Australia)

6 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

confidence in our specialised fields.

Our certifications include: Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor (CPES) Certified Professional Land Development Engineer (CPLDE) Hydrographic Certification (co-sponsored with the GeoSpatial Council of Australia) These rigorous programs ensure that professionals are equipped with the highest standards of knowledge and expertise required to excel in their domains. Dive into the details of each certification below and discover how you can elevate your career to new heights with Survey and Spatial New Zealand.

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor (CPES)

Certified Professional Land Development Engineer (CPLDE)

• CERTIFICATION

Certification Professional Engineering Surveying Competence

T

he Certification of Professional Engineering Surveying Competence is formal recognition by Survey and Spatial NZ for those who have been assessed against a defined

set of professional and technical competencies which meet standards and technical sign off criteria required by Private and Public Asset Owners, Territorial and Local Authorities and other similar entities.

The Annual Practising Certificate as a Survey and Spatial New Zealand Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor sets a quality benchmark for the industry to maintain public confidence in the areas of: 1

Earthworks, Erosion and Sediment Control

2

Access, Roading and Transportation

3

3 Waters, (Stormwater Management, Wastewater Management, Potable Water)

4

Utilities (Energy and Communication)

5

Construction (Residential, Infrastructure, Commercial)

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 7

• CERTIFICATION

Certification

Professional Land Development Engineering Competence

T

he Certification of Professional Land Development Engineering Competence is formal recognition by Survey + Spatial New Zealand of those who have been assessed against a defined set of professional and technical competencies

which meet the Civil Engineering standards and technical sign off criteria required

by Private and Public Asset Owners, Territorial and Local Authorities and other Entities (as it relate to Land Development).

The Annual Practising Certificate as a Survey and Spatial New Zealand Certified Professional Land Development Engineer sets a benchmark for the industry to maintain public confidence across the following areas: 1

Earthworks, Erosion and Sediment Control

2

Access, Roading and Transportation

3

3 Waters, (Stormwater Management, Wastewater Management, Potable Water)

4

Utilities (Energy and Communication)

8 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

• CERTIFICATION

Certification Hydrographic Surveying

S

pecialist certification in hydrographic surveying is the official recognition that an individual possesses the necessary knowledge to perform hydrographic surveying tasks along with the demonstrated ability to apply that knowledge across various hydrographic disciplines.

The professional assessment and certification of hydrographic surveyors is conducted through the Australasian Hydrographic Surveyors Certification Panel (AHSCP), which is jointly sponsored by the Geospatial Council and Survey and Spatial New Zealand.

1

Gain a mark of excellence – certification establishes a level of professional hydrographic competence that the government and industry not only demand from professionals but which is also now expected.

2

Achieve recognition from employers and enhance your career opportunities.

3

Attain and extra measure of credibility, respect and recognition within and outside the professional community.

4

Enhance your professional standing and confidence by quantifying your hydrographic experience and demonstrating your commitment to professional development and continuous improvement. Being recognised as a certified hydrographic surveyor gives you a distinct competitive advantage.

5

As an employer – you can increase the confidence that your clients have in your company.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 9

• CERTIFICATION PROFILES

Meet the Assessors

Elevating Excellence in Surveying

C

ertification is the pinnacle of recognition in the

out New Zealand. Let's meet some of these talented

surveying sector, a testament to technical prowess

individuals.

and dedication. The journey towards certification is

robust and demanding, requiring candidates to prove their

Meet Some of Our Dedicated Assessors

knowledge, skills, and experience through written submis-

Our team of assessors is the backbone of our certification

sions and interactive assessments. But behind this rigorous

program, rigorously examining candidate applications

process lies a team of talented and dedicated profession-

to uphold program integrity and ensure professionalism

als—our assessors. They are committed to nurturing sector

within the surveying sector.

capability and ensuring a trusted technical program that

While their work is often behind the scenes, their dedi-

can be relied upon by authorities and businesses through-

cation shines through in every assessment they undertake.

Michael Martin

Michael Cutfield

Kerryn McPherson

Craig Hurford

Bryce Kilpatrick

Certified Professional Land Development Engineer – Registered Professional Surveyor

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor Licensed Cadastral Surveyor

Certified Professional Land Development Engineer – Registered Professional Surveyor

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor, Certified Professional Land Development Engineer

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor

Greg Mohacsi

Rodney Pilbrow

Carl Salmons

Lee Scorrar

Nick Taylor

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor

Certified Professional Land Development Engineer

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor

Certified Professional Land Development Engineer – Registered Professional Surveyor, Licensed Cadastral Surveyor

Bruce Walker

Antony White

Sam Williams

Craig Kenneally

Darrell Wymer

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor

Certified Professional Land Development Engineer, Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor

Certified Professional Engineering Surveyor

Interested in certification? Visit the Survey and Spatial NZ website to learn more about the process or contact our team at certification@surveyspatialnz.org . Take the first step towards recognition and excellence in the surveying and spatial sector with our trusted certification program.

10 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

• CERTIFICATION PROFILES

Land Development What stage of the Engineering certification process are you at?

Certification

ity, improve our company’s reputation,

The certification also provided new

and demonstrate a commitment to

opportunities for career advancement

continuous professional development.

and leadership roles within the indus-

What is your current role?

I am a land development engineer,

as a trusted and expert provider in land development services.

process and have been awarded the

What are your thoughts on the programme?

CPLDE certification.

I regard the certification programme

I have completed the certification

Tim McDougall, TrueSouth Wanaka

try. Furthermore, it positions TrueSouth

How have you found the programme?

highly for its rigorous standards and comprehensive curriculum. It not only tests theoretical knowledge

The certification programme was

but also emphasises practical

comprehensive and rigorous, covering

application, which is crucial in our

a wide range of topics essential for

field. The programme’s focus on

land development engineering. It

ethics and professional responsibility

provided an in-depth framework to

is particularly valuable, ensuring that

help participants prepare and equip

certified professionals uphold the

themselves to handle the complexities

highest standards of practice. Overall,

of modern land development projects.

I believe the CPLDE certification is an

The programme’s structure was well

extremely valuable asset for any land

organised, with clear competency

development engineer looking to

manager, I also manage business

goals and practical applications.

excel in their career.

operations, client relationships and

What was challenging about your certification journey?

One of the most challenging aspects

Would you recommend any tips to people who are thinking about becoming certified?

was balancing the demands of the

For those considering the CPLDE

I pursued certification to formally

certification process with my profes-

certification, my advice is to start

recognise my expertise and skills in

sional responsibilities. The programme

preparing early and create a struc-

land development engineering. The

required a significant investment of

tured plan. Dedicate time each week

Certified Professional Land Develop-

time and effort, particularly in areas

to study and review the competencies

ment Engineer (CPLDE) is a prestigious

that demanded a deep understanding

within the S+SNZ guidance, and don’t

credential that signifies a high level of

of advanced engineering principles

hesitate to seek help from peers or

competence and professionalism in the

and regulatory requirements.

mentors who have gone through the

field. Achieving this certification was a

Additionally, the assessments were

process. Practical experience is also

strategic move to enhance my credibil-

thorough and required a high level of

crucial – seek to engage in projects

precision and accuracy.

that provide opportunity to develop

How will the certification programme benefit your professional development?

knowledge and understanding of the

The CPLDE certification has already had

weaknesses and understand your

a positive impact on my professional

limitations. Knowing when it’s time

development. It has enhanced my tech-

to outsource or seek assistance is a

nical knowledge and problem-solving

strength. Lastly, stay committed to the

abilities, allowing me to deliver

process; it will be challenging, but the

higher-quality outcomes for our clients.

rewards are well worth the effort.

surveyor, and co-branch manager of TrueSouth Wanaka, a company specialising in land development and surveying services. My role involves overseeing land development and surveying projects from the initial planning stages through to completion, ensuring that all developments are designed and executed to the highest standards. As a co-branch

team co-ordination.

Why did you decide to go down the path of certification?

various aspects of land development engineering covered in the certification. Be clear in your strengths and

•

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 11

• CERTIFICATION PROFILES

Hydrographic Surveying Certification Rhys Davies, Ocean Infinity What is your current role?

I am the Technology and Transition Manager at Ocean Infinity (Australia).

My current role consists of trying to use technology to maximise efficiencies with the business and transition us from a traditional survey company into the Ocean Infinity goal of remote operations. I am a current AHSCP Level 1 hydrographic surveyor. I started my career in the RNZN in 1998 as an ordinary hydrographic assistant (OHA). This title always makes me laugh for some reason!

Why did you decide to go down the path of hydrographic certification?

I first obtained my Level 2 certification in 2006 on completion of my IHO Cat B course when I was in the RNZN after a chance meeting with the NZIS (S+S NZ) hydro rep at the time (Simon Ironside).

My objective, once I felt comfortable in my ability, was to always reach the Level 1 certification. It was important to me professionally in advancing and challenging myself to ultimately being able to lead and sign off surveys. Being

either Cat A or Level 1 is generally a requirement when undertaking nautical charting surveys. Being recognised by the industry as a Level 1 surveyor meant a lot personally as we all know how tough it is to get.

How have you found the programme?

The pathway to Level 1 was extremely challenging as it was intended to be. The industry is very small and professionally focused and has very high standards so obtaining both Level 1 and Level 2 is a big achievement. It’s a big thing to put yourself under the

meeting some amazing people who

microscope. I would add, though, I was

are surveying all over the world. Two

very lucky to have worked alongside

of these people now work alongside

and learnt from what is considered

me at Ocean Infinity.

the best hydrographic surveyors and

How will the certification programme benefit your professional development?

leaders in the industry. Some of which remain mentors to me even now.

What were the challenges along the way to gaining certification?

Through the certification journey to Level 1, I found it opened more aspects of hydrographic surveying than just the

Not having been to university before

physical surveying. The process, being

and the very limited educational

so challenging, provides the confi-

pathways available at the time I left

dence needed in leading and man-

the RNZN, I was stuck at the Level 2

aging small teams, often operating in

level for 10 years which was very

challenging and largely unsupported

frustrating as my IHO Cat B was not

environments. It also opens you up to

enough to meet the Level 1 edu-

the other aspects of surveying such as

cational requirements. In 2017-18,

the commercial side and technology

a new part online-part residential

side of things. I recently did a univer-

course was developed by the Marine

sity micro credential course in cloud

Learning College in conjunction with

computing, for example.

the University of Plymouth. This was

Hydrographic Surveying which met

Do you have any tips for people looking to apply for hydrographic certification?

the Level 1 requirements. One big

Start the paperwork early and keep on

challenge I had during this time

top of it. Reach out to the industry for

was learning to communicate in a

help; everyone is very keen to help.

two years of study which allowed me to work and study, resulting in a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced

university context – very different

With Level 1, be patient in getting a

from the military and industry. The

good base knowledge and confidence

maths aspect was also very intense,

in your ability before applying. Once

not having done much since school.

you have this certification, there are

One positive from doing this is

very high expectations professionally.

12 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

•

NZDS Moves to Better Meet Industry Needs

over two 16-week semesters each

are delivered online with much of

year – most Unitec learners study full time although some study part-time while working in the industry.

Toi Ohomai provides a flexi-learn

Hugh Wilson, Civil Engineering School, Unitec Institute of Technology approach where formal classes he New Zealand Diploma in

T

This focus on developing industry

Surveying (NZDS) is a level 6

relevant knowledge and skills means

programme designed to provide

the NZDS graduates are work-ready

the surveying profession with trained

and will quickly become a productive

people who are able to undertake

member of a land surveying team.

routine field and office work. Gradu-

Delivery of the NZDS is currently

ates of this programme are typically

provided by Toi Ohomai (Tauranga)

employed as surveying technicians

and Unitec (Auckland) polytechnics.

doing land development, engineer-

The two institutes are in the process of

ing and cadastral surveying work.

aligning curriculums so they will both

The NZDS programme takes two

deliver the same courses.

the practical work being assessed through practice completed through the student’s workplace. This approach means most of the Toi Ohomai learners study part-time while working in the industry.

There are currently 39 learners enrolled at Unitec and 61 at Toi Ohomai. These numbers have dropped over the past few years due to the removal of the fees-free initiatives

years of full-time study but learners

This means that learners can

may choose to study part-time while

study individual courses at either

working in the industry and this takes

polytechnic. The new curriculum has

longer. The programme curriculum

been designed to allow learners to

includes courses in levelling, total

study in conventional face-to face

station, GPS, land administration,

learning, remotely, or in work, or

surveying drawing, communications

a combination of the three modes.

skills land development, engineering

Learners can use whichever mode or

surveys, geodetic surveys and

combination of modes best meets

geographic information systems with

their requirements.

courses in cadastral surveying and

Unitec delivers the programme in

advanced surveying technologies to

a face-to face mode where learners

be added in 2025.

spend two to three days at Unitec

in 2021 and 2022, the high cost of being a student and a lack of promotion of the programme.

However, the common curriculum means the polytechnics are now able to focus on expanding industry contact, revising the curriculum to better address industry needs and start promoting the programme.

It is planned to expand the programme to other polytechnics across New Zealand but this future development and expansion of the programme can only proceed with industry support and help.

Unitec and Toi Ohomai propose to establish a combined Industry advisory group which will help them to better align the programme with industry needs, provide technical and industry support for the

Unitec students doing a curve set-out exercise.

programme and provide resources and opportunities for learners to better engage with surveyors in their areas.

•

Interested Surveyors are Invited For more information, please email hwilson@unitec.ac.nz.

Toi Ohomai students setting out boundary pegs using total stations.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 13

• RECRUITMENT

Hiring tips to stay on the pulse of AI assisted CVs

technologies. My advice here is to consider a balanced approach when using AI within your hiring process. It may be a good idea to start thinking about developing methods to detect AI enhanced CVs and even potentially

Yaman Becerikili, 84 Recruitment

consider more thorough interviews

Here's how to navigate AI powered CVs when looking to hire.

Insight and advice from my recruitment perspective.

and skill assessments.

As a divisional leader of a recruitment

below that can help you filter CVs to

Recent study shows that a whopping

agency, I personally think these

identify the authentic applications.

42 per cent of candidates thought

developments are somewhat con-

1. Revisit your interview process

OpenAI’s famous chatbot could make

cerning. The sophisticated AI ability

significant improvements to their

to alter details on candidate profiles

It’s probably time to emphasise the

CVs and help them stand out from

challenges the traditional methods of

importance of thorough interviews

the crowd. When does this become a

screening talent.

and practical assessments. Perhaps,

problem for employers and how can you detect it?

So, where to from here?

I have put together a few tips

and skills assessments

The recruitment landscape is

more behavioural interviews, case

ever changing with new trends and

studies, skill-based assessments

14 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

software programmes that will help

So, it’s extremely important to be

you distinguish between human

aware of legal implications of AI in

written and AI assisted content. That

recruitment including potential biases

software helps focus on detecting AI

and discrimination. My recommenda-

patterns such as excessively polished

tion here is to stay ahead of the curve

language or skills that may appear

and take the necessary steps and time

mismatched with the candidate’s

to ensure that your polices are up to

actual experience.

date, fair and compliant.

​3. Promote a culture of authenticity

84 strives to maintain three steps

How about fostering a culture that

ahead and we want to continue to

should offer more reliable evaluation

prioritises genuine skills and authen-

help employers be informed about

of candidate’s actual abilities and

ticity rather than overly polished and

staying ahead of the curve.

suitability for the position.

possibly misleading profiles. If you can

​2. Implement more advanced

manage this shift in the culture, this

screening tools

can help deter candidates from relying

It’s fair to say AI is moving at such a

heavily on AI to enhance their CVs.

speed that it’s hard to keep up with.

​4. Ethical and legal compliance

As AI continues to advance, the tools

Let’s not forget about the creators

for screening should also evolve. With

of Generative AI, these are humans.

a bit of research, you can identify

Historical biases might sneak into the

a number of powerful screening

algorithms which can be concerning.

•

If you would like to have a chat to any of the team to discuss the current market and how your business can take the lead, feel free to get in touch via email: info@84recruitment.co.nz or give us a call on 09 391 8484.

Navigating Drone Certification in New Zealand Ferntech

how we work, reducing the time, cost, and risk across all projects, big and small.

If you're a professional surveyor using drones, understanding New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements is crucial for safe and legal drone operation.

Fortunately, the process is not as daunting as it may seem.

While there are some strict rules to follow, a lot of these are common sense and won’t limit your ability to safely and efficiently complete your aerial surveying projects.

One of the most common questions about New Zealand drone operation is whether a license is required – the short

D

answer is no, but it does depend on the nature of your

Zealand. From surveying and mapping to asset inspection

such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) or flying at

and automated missions, this technology is reshaping

night. So what is Part 101, and what do you need to do?

rones have surged in popularity for commercial

drone use. In essence, any surveyor adhering to Part 101

purposes in recent years, becoming a useful and

does not need a license, however advanced operators may

often essential tool for many industries across New

need Part 102 certification under specific circumstances,

16 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Rules covers the fundamental guidelines for operating drones without needing certification or a license. These rules aren’t overly restrictive, and can give surveyors plenty of freedom to perform high-precision surveys every day, with no drone certification required.

Here's a summary of the key rules: Line of Sight: You must always keep your drone within your visual line of sight. While this may seem limiting at first, it is entirely possible to survey large areas of land while maintaining line of sight with your drone.

Height Restrictions: Drones must not fly higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.

No-Fly Zones: Avoid flying in controlled airspace and near aerodromes, unless you have permission and follow set procedures (such as AirShare).

Privacy and Property: Do not fly over private property without the owner's consent.

Permission: Do not fly over people without prior permission.

So when do you need Part 102? You need to obtain a

you how to classify airspace and understand how drone

Part 102 certificate if you want to operate outside the

rules differ in each airspace. Having this certification

realms of Part 101. For example, if you want to perform

allows you to fly within 4km of an aerodrome with prior

large land surveys that require flying over private

approvals.

property. Part 102 allows you to apply for the privilege

We have seen this approach successfully implemented

to operate over private property without prior approval,

for many New Zealand businesses and organisations,

which can be beneficial if you are surveying at scale.

including surveyors, power and electricity providers, and

Bear in mind that even with Part 102 there will still be a

local governments. Public interest in drones continues

procedure to follow, such as notifying the property owner

to grow, particularly around safety and privacy, so it

before or after the flight with a flyer in their letterbox.

is important for surveyors and other professionals to

In addition, some surveyors have the privilege to fly

understand their legal obligations while flying drones.

over 400 feet high. As a general rule, the higher you can

While navigating the certification framework for drone

fly, the more efficiently you can cover and survey land. The

operation in New Zealand takes some getting used to,

downside to this approach is that your image resolution

once that knowledge has been gained there is a lot of

and GSD will decrease, but this can be mitigated using

freedom for surveyors to use this technology across a

more advanced payload technology.

wide range of projects.

The biggest issue with getting Part 102 certified is

In short, there are two main steps to ensure you’re

the wait time of 6-18 months for CAA to approve your

flying safely and legally: familiarise yourself with the Part

P102 exposition. If you are carrying out surveys where

101 rules, and determine what certification level your

private property permission isn’t required, and you are

intended drone activities require. These rules, though

flying below 400 feet, there is a nice middle ground

comprehensive, are not overly restrictive, making them

we recommend. First, obtain the Part 101 Drone Pilot

manageable for all drone operators, including surveyors.

Certificate, which is a two-day course that covers airspace

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits

understanding and general aviation theory, followed by a

of drone technology while staying within the legal

practical drone flight test. Obtaining a Part 101 will teach

framework.

•

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 17

• NEWS

Antarctica likely a carbon storage powerhouse NIWA

A

NIWA Marine Ecologist Dr Leigh Tait says that until now, global models predicted that Antarctic seaweed had a negligible impact on CO2 uptake.

“We thought that Antarctica wasn’t a suitable enough habitat for seaweed and therefore had little contribution to global CO2 levels. However, when we did our surveys, we discovered extensive seaweed coverage, and at much deeper depths than expected.

“We took these new observations, satellite data, and published photosynthesis rates to estimate how much carbon the seaweed was likely absorbing. We predict that Antarctic seaweed may contribute to up to nearly 3% of the global macroalgal carbon uptake,” said Dr Tait.

ntarctica is probably storing much more carbon than previously thought, according to NIWA. Two rare surveys were conducted by NIWA in

The research, conducted aboard NIWA’s research vessel Tangaroa, involved benthic surveys using towed and remote-operated camera systems at depths ranging from

Antarctica’s Ross Sea region in 2021 and 2023, where they

40 to 250 metres.

discovered vast amounts of seaweed.

The study focused on coastal regions of northern Victoria

Seaweed are macroalgae that absorb CO2 – a powerful greenhouse gas – from the atmosphere.

NIWA Marine Ecologist Dr Leigh Tait onboard RV Tangaroa Photo: Stu Mackay, NIWA

18 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

Land, Ross Sea, Antarctica, spanning Robertson Bay (west of Cape Adare) to Terra Nova Bay.

Deep Towed Imaging System (DTIS) deployed from RV Tangaroa near Cape Adare at sunrise (left), NIWA research vessel Tangaroa in Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea (right).

Photos: Stu Mackay, NIWA.

“We took these new observations, satellite data, and published photosynthesis rates to estimate how much carbon the seaweed was likely absorbing. We predict that Antarctic seaweed may contribute to up to nearly 3% of the global macroalgal carbon uptake,” 20 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

“A large amount of drift algae found across all survey areas suggests that vast quantities of carbon may be locked up at the seafloor. This makes these environments even more valuable, as they not only provide key habitats for other species and play vital roles in the food web, but also have potentially big impacts on the rates that global greenhouse gases are stored at the seafloor.”

“Unfortunately, they are also particularly vulnerable to climate change. We know that sea-ice coverage is changing dramatically around the Antarctic continent, and this has huge implications for carbon fixation by phytoplankton and macroalgae, so understanding and protecting these environments becomes more imperative than ever,” said Dr Tait.

Coastal surveys in the Ross Sea region are extremely rare, making NIWA’s voyages some of the most comprehensive shallow surveys ever done in the region.

•

The study was published in the journal Nature.

ROB LONGLEY

Sixty Years a Surveyor Ian Carson

R

no thoughts of retiring.

firm in Auckland, doing the equivalent of an apprentice-

and I’ll keep doing it as long as I feel I can.

ob Longley has been working in the survey industry for more than 64 years, and there’s no sign of him easing up.

He spent the first four of those years ‘articled’ to a survey

ship before becoming a qualified surveyor in May 1964. His current employer, Land Matters, celebrated his 60 qualified

Looking towards his 83rd birthday later this year, Rob has “No, I’ve not thought about it,” he says enthusiastically.

“It’s just not occurred to me. I love what I do, always have, “The idea of retirement has never really entered my head.”

years in May with a special morning tea at its Ōtaki offices.

His assertion is entirely believable. Belying his years

Rob’s remarkable work achievement has included 10

with an energy that seems more applicable to one 20

years – from 1977-87 – when he taught engineering and

years younger, Rob shows no signs of easing up as the

survey technicians at the Central Institute of Technology

birthdays keep ticking over – and Land Matters is happy to

(CIT) in Heretaunga, Upper Hutt.

keep him on.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 21

22 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

“Rob still actively contributes to our survey team and is an asset to have in the office with his experience, can-do attitude and ability to teach the young bucks some old tricks,” Land Matters director Sam Pritchard says.

Rob was born in Tasmania in 1941, the son of Kiwi parents who had gone to Australia so his civil engineering father could gain construction experience. The family lived in a camp while his father worked on the Clark Dam, built for the Butlers Gorge power station on the River Derwent.

Four-and-a-half years later they returned to New Zealand and settled in Browns Bay, Auckland.

Rob went to Browns Bay School and Northcote College, where he says he was an average student, passing what was then University Entrance exams without particular distinction. However, survey work appealed to him.

“It was the mid-1990s and I was their first in-house surveyor. My job was really a one-man band – I was their engineer, planner, draughtsman, surveyor. A bit of everything.” was looking for staff, so he joined the firm.

There was plenty of work. In the late 1960s and early

“It required you to be outside, but you still had to get

1970s, huge land blocks were being developed through-

through subjects academically,” he says. “I loved that idea.”

out Wellington, especially in Wainuiomata and Whitby.

He secured a junior position at Andrew Murray and

In 1977 Rob diverged somewhat in his career path, if

Partners, where he was ‘articled’ to Trevor Browne and

only marginally. He became a tutor – but of course he

then Andrew Murray. It was 1959, and no degree or even

taught surveying.

diploma course in surveying existed. A job was the only way into the profession.

The boom times had hit a glitch and TCB began reluctantly letting people go.

Rob’s new job gave him a good practical grounding in

“I have to say the principals at Truebridge Callender

surveying work. However, just like an apprenticeship, there

Beach were very good at looking after their staff,” Rob

were still courses to be completed through the Technical

says. “They did what they could for the staff that they

Correspondence Institute.

had to lay off. In my case I was told there was a vacancy

Rob was also able to fulfil his goal of working much of the time away from the office in the outdoors.

One of his first assignments was helping to survey land

at the CIT. “They must have recognised my ability to teach way before I did.

for the Māori Affairs Department south of Lake Taupō. The

He took the CIT job, but balks at the suggestion it might

work introduced him to hands-on survey work. He revelled

have been a diversion or an opportunity for stability in his

in the work and proved to be a quick learner.

work life at a challenging time for the industry.

He sat his Survey Board exams and became a registered

“No, it was just something else I thought I could do,”

surveyor on May 28, 1964. He decided to extend his

he says. “It was great, I loved working with the young

qualifications by attending Auckland University part-time,

people – men and women – who were my students. I’d

partially completing a Diploma in Town Planning.

never taught before in my life, but it just seemed to come

Seeing his potential, Andrew Murray and Partners soon put him in charge of a branch office.

Still only in his early 20s, Rob went on his OE to England in late 1965 with four of his mates, with whom

naturally to me.

“The only difference between me and my students was that I knew where to get the information before they did.”

he had been involved in surf lifesaving. While away, he

He says he gradually adapted to the task of compiling

found employment with Hunting Surveys Ltd and was

lecture notes and the routine of teaching but acknowledg-

seconded to Shell Oil to work in places such as Oman on

es that much of what he taught was acquired experience.

the Arabian Peninsula and Gabon on the West African

“You do a lot of it from personal knowledge, which I

coast. In Gabon, his survey work was used to set up a

think is the best way to teach. You can show in a practical

road alignment about 120 kilometres long, using the sun

way how things are done. The students who went on to

as a guide.

do the degree course at Otago University did very well

When he returned to New Zealand, he was briefly a city surveyor in Whangarei before moving to Wellington in 1969. A friend had heard Truebridge Callender Beach (TCB)

because they had that practical training.

“I felt it was a privilege to help them through that part of their life.”

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 23

farms and packhouses, and exporting the produce.

“David, being the wonderful entrepreneur that he was, could see that land development was going to be something big,” Rob says. “He asked me if I could be their surveyor, so I said, ‘Yeah, OK’.

“It was the mid-1990s and I was their first in-house surveyor. My job was really a one-man band – I was their engineer, planner, draughtsman, surveyor. A bit of everything.”

Rob has remained with the company since, experiencing the highs as it has evolved into two associated businesses – Land Matters and Pritchard Civil – and lows when David died in 2019. With Stuart running his own business, David’s Meantime he became secretary of the Wellington branch

sons, Sam and John, now run the operation at Addington

of the NZ Institute of Surveyors and later chair before

Road, only a kilometre or so away from where their

being appointed to the NZIS council in November 1980.

grandparents had a market garden in Ōtaki.

For just over a year, he was the first chair of the Legislation Committee, and later secretary. He retired from the

Rob offers no special reasons for his longevity in the industry, but he does say he recognises his limitations.

“I think I’m good at what I do, but I don’t like managing

committee in 1996.

After his time at CIT, and looking for a change, Rob and wife Kathleen moved to a lifestyle block in the small settlement of Ōhau, where they lived for 12 years until

people, and I wouldn’t be a good boss. That’s just not me.

I’ve always been happy as an employee, not an employer.”

A huge factor in his success, however, is that he clearly enjoys every day.

moving to Levin, where they live today.

Rob got a survey job for a couple of years with Foster and

Asked if there have been days when he’s felt like he’s

Co in Levin. The firm was doing some survey work in Ōtaki

had enough, he says: “Honestly, no. I really can’t think of

at the new Waitohu Country Estate being developed by the

a situation when I’ve thought that things are dragging me

Ōtaki-based Pritchard Group. Rob met David Pritchard. The

down at work.

“I guess it’s because of the way I approach work and my

meeting was to be fortuitous for both.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, the company run by brothers David and Stuart Pritchard was involved in managing and operating several large orchards, berry fruit

attitude to life. I’m never negative about anything. There’s always a solution somewhere.

“If you like what you’re doing, it’s good for you.”

•

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24 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

• LEGAL COLUMN

Legislative Frameworks

ing certification frameworks, especial-

Greater protection: Greater protec-

ly concerning land development. By

tion for current and prospective unit

supporting certification frameworks,

title owners or incorporated society

both of these enactments promote

members. As developments become

effective management, informed

denser, we need suitable legislative

decision-making and harmonious

frameworks to ensure that we are

C

living within built-up communities.

properly able to safeguard individual

ertification frameworks play a

Both of these recent legislative

interests within shared spaces.

pivotal role in ensuring effective

changes are intended to support:

Risk mitigation: To help mitigate

management and informed de-

Modern legal frameworks:

risks associated with mismanage-

cision-making within land develop-

Clarifying rights, obligations, and

ment, financial irregularities and

ments, particularly with regard to the

governance structures.

legal disputes.

increasing density of developments in

Accountability and transparency:

Decision-making: Informed deci-

New Zealand.

With clear rules for administration,

sions for maintenance and budgeting,

The Unit Titles Act 2010 plays

enhanced transparency and account-

and community welfare.

a crucial role in governing unit

ability. Certified bodies managing

Amendments and disputes:

title developments in New Zealand.

land development projects must

Providing mechanisms for resolution

Additionally, the recent Unit Titles

adhere to these guidelines, ensuring

that can be navigated more effec-

(Strengthening Body Corporate

proper financial management,

tively and allow some adaptations to

Governance and Other Matters)

decision-making and compliance

meet the evolving needs of various

Amendment emphasises adequate

with legal requirements.

developments.

planning for long-term maintenance

Constitutional requirements: Clear

In summary, these recent legislative

projects and raising compliance

rules, and governance procedures

changes are intended to strengthen

standards.

to promote consistency and pro-

the legal foundation for certification

fessionalism in land development

frameworks to promote responsible

management.

management, transparency and

Anthea Coombe, Glaister Ennor

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 also plays a significant role in support-

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 25

informed decision-making, all of

Some of the key changes contained

to enable eligible voters to

which are essential for effectively

in these amendments are:

vote by electronic means either

handling the challenges posed by

Long-term maintenance plan (LTMP)

before or during a meeting. As

The changes to the Act now

porate must also take reason-

increasing density in developments.

Unit Titles Act 2010 contained in the Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment

require that any large unit title

able steps to verify the identify

developments (10 or more units)

of any person casting a vote

must establish a LTMP that covers

electronically.

a period of 30 years from the date of the unit plans commencement or the last review.

On May 9, 2024, the final amend-

The LTMP must be reviewed

ments to the Unit Titles Act 2010

every three years.

contained in the Unit Titles (Strength-

All body corporates must now es-

ening Body Corporate Governance

tablish and maintain an LTMP and

and Other Matters) Amendment

there is no longer an ability for a

came into force, as did the Unit Title

body corporate to pass a special

Amendment Regulations 2024 (the

resolution allowing them not to

Amendment regulations).

establish and maintain one.

The purpose of these changes was to provide greater protection to anyone who is buying or owns a unit title property.

part of this process, a body cor-

Electronic voting Body corporates are now required to take reasonable steps

26 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

Body corporate management agreements All agreements that set out the terms of engagement for a body corporate manager must now included various prescribed terms including: § The requirement for managers to comply with the code of conduct set out in the Act § The grounds for termination of the agreement and the process for doing so § The requirement for a review

ing to an assessment of the

ety. All Officers of a society must

ownership interests for the

consent in writing to become an

development

Officer and certify they are not

§ A long-term maintenance plan

disqualified from being an Officer

§ A register of all unit owners

of the society.

§ Contact details of the body corporate chairperson § Contact details of the body § Remediation reports or any report about earthquake prone issues or other significant

diligence

§ Any document that sets out any current warranties from third parties in respect of the common property, assets owned by the body corporate or building elements or infrastructure of the body corporate.

manager’s performance is to be judged.

Retention of information The body corporate and body corporate managers are required

poses only

§ exercise reasonable care and

resolutions

other measures by which a

§ exercise powers for proper pur-

the society’s constitution

§ Any notices of designated

key performance targets and

§ act in good faith and in the best

§ comply with the 2022 Act and

defects in the land

at specified intervals and the

These are to: interests of the society

corporate manager.

of the manager’s performance

Officers will have six core duties.

§ not create a substantial risk of serious loss to creditors § not incur an obligation that the Officer does not reasonably believe the society can perform.

The need for an in-society disputes resolution process, includ-

Requirement for reregistration under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 Now that the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (2022 Act) has come into force, all existing incorporated societies registered under the Incorporated Societies 1908 that wish to continue operating are required to re-register under the 2022 Act before April 2026.

The 2022 Act contains a number of

ing the procedure to be followed when making a complaint.

The method by which the constitution for the society may be amended.

The arrangements and requirements for general meetings, the interval between the meetings, the information that must be presented, the quorum and procedures, including voting procedures; and the arrangements and requirements for special general

to retain various prescribed

new requirements to be included in

documents for a period of at

the constitutions when re-registration

least three years in case they are

takes place, and it states which

The nomination of a not-for-prof-

requested by the regulator. The

existing requirements must be

it entity or a class or description

type of information required to

included in a society’s constitution

of not-for-profit entities in which

be retained includes:

before re-registration.

any surplus assets of the society

§ Bank statements for body corporate accounts § The body corporate financial statements and any audit reports relating to the financial statements § Any valuation reports relat-

Key changes that may affect existing incorporated societies include:

meetings.

will be distributed to on liquidation or removal of a society.

a requirement that all incorporat-

With the re-registration period

ed societies must have a commit-

expiry in April 2026, we recommend

tee comprising no less than three

existing societies start reviewing their

members. Committee members

constitutions sooner rather than later

must be a natural person and are

so any amendments to their constitu-

classed as “Officers” of the Soci-

tion can be made before next year.

•

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 27

• BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

How to Succeed in Business Management

off your stride and these people had

business owners everywhere, hope is

reconfirmed their meeting just that

your best friend, and sometimes your

morning. So they must have wanted

only friend. But you need a lot more.

Edward O’Leary, Abtrac

B

usiness Management is all about knowing where you’re going and what’s going on

right now. Are you tracking the business information you really need?

Pitching to a prospective Abtrac client, they told me with pride their profit was up significantly this year compared to the last. Therefore, they said, they’re obviously doing something right and probably don’t need Abtrac project management software after all.

Darn!! The last thing anyone needs, is to be told their sales pitch is going to be a waste of time. However, prospects often start by putting you

something.

If you want to give your hope a

After congratulating them on their

big boost with confidence and be in

good news, I asked them how they

a much better position to leverage

did so well last year. My point was, if

luck to your advantage, you need to

they knew how they did it, they could

be orderly, systematic, and obsessive

do it again this year. The answer was

about planning and managing your

they didn’t know. As far as the director

business. It’s the only way to get to a

was concerned, “We’re very pleased it

better place.

happened, so right now we aren’t too

Now I hear you say, “I thought all

worried about how it happened.”

that stuff went out the window years

Then he added, “And obviously

ago and it’s now all about disruption

we’re hoping for even better results

and innovation and client centric?”

this year.”

The answer is, damned right it’s

It sounded so impressive!!

all about disruption, innovation and

Now here’s a question I was dying

client centric. Companies that are

to ask them but didn’t. Was the

doing well, growing from nowhere

information they were so chuffed to

and taking on the world are disrup-

tell me about, that their profit was up

tive, innovative and client centric, and

significantly this year compared to

they do it by being orderly, systematic,

the last, effectively useless if they had

and obsessive about planning and

little idea of how it happened? I’d

management to achieve their end

say, pretty much so.

goal.

In business, relying on luck and

They set a goal and maintain their

hoping for the best isn’t the way

company’s focus on working towards

it’s done. Luck really helps. And for

it obsessively. Everything is done to

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 29

The secret is simple. If you want to grow your business, keep it strong, and to see it succeed you need to know where you’re going and what’s going on. Only then can you successfully analyse and learn from what’s happened in the past to ensure you’re staying on track towards your desired future outcome. achieve the goal. They do this with

systematic and innovative. Their

planning and management that is

attention and focus often resulted in

unwavering. They do this with people

a new way of doing something that

with systems to give them hard data

others hadn’t tried. They’ve innovat-

measures and anecdotal measures

ed and disrupted. Think of Hannibal

from everywhere ASAP.

with his elephants, Copernicus

And they’re not scared to inno-

realising the earth revolves around

vate. They pick up a piece of data, an

the sun, Edison and his light bulbs,

idea or a response that others may

Einstein taking physics into a whole

overlook, and they try to leverage

new world. And being patriotic, I

it to their advantage. They’ll try

have to mention Team New Zealand

anything, knowing that whether it

sailing designers replacing grinders

works or not, at least they’ve learnt

with cyclists.

something.

We aren’t talking people man-

But that’s not new. Anyone who

aging their businesses by the “seat

succeeds has to have been orderly,

of their pants” here. They were all

very structured, very analytical in their approach and highly focused managers of their own and everyone else’s time and efforts. Setting goals is only the half of it.

I could name a raft of local and international businesses who have adopted the same approach in their product development, in their marketing, in fact in everything they do, enabling them to go from strength to strength while others have watched in awe and at times, in fear.

The secret is simple. If you want to grow your business, keep it strong, and to see it succeed you need to know where you’re going and what’s going on. Only then can you successfully analyse and learn from what’s happened in the past to ensure you’re staying on track towards your desired future outcome.

Work so every person is thinking and being orderly, systematic, and obsessive about planning and management to achieve every goal. And start using a business information system that helps you do it all more easily. Good management software is essential.

Knowledge is power. If you want more, go after knowledge by being orderly, systematic, and obsessive about planning and management to achieve your end goal. You’ll be able to press the success buttons time and again rather than relying on luck. You’ll also have more time to contemplate and innovate. Try out new things. Try dumb things. Hit on successful things. Learn what works and what doesn’t, rather than blindly hoping for the good times to come.

Success in business doesn’t rely simply on luck or hope. You have to make things happen because success won’t just drop down from above. I’m sure Sir Isaac Newton would agree.

30 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

•

New Landonline Survey Features – Targeted Release Dates

I

n the previous update on New Landonline to Survey and Spatial readers, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) Consulting Surveyor Nick Stillwell report-

ed that the modernising Landonline programme is focused on replacing all the remaining major pieces of external survey functionality by April 2025.

sharing of information between professionals and clients.

Nick said the consultation would be broad and connect with all CSD user groups, particularly survey, legal and territorial authority professionals.

“Surveyors will be able to access the prototype from New Landonline – Survey. They can test this with colleagues and

Nick told us he was delighted to say that work was progressing well, and he can now add some further detail

clients, then provide feedback on how user friendly the technology is,” Nick said.

to the expected dates for the delivery of each piece of functionality.

To support the rollout of these features in the new application, LINZ is hosting a webinar on June 21, 2024: Register here.

Specifically July 2024: Sign and Submit and My messages released in new Landonline to all surveyors

Consultation on new digital viewer for cadastral survey datasets

October 2024: Sign and submit and requests re-

Landonline update

As part of the development of New Landonline, LINZ will commence consultation with surveyors in July 2024 on a new digital viewer for cadastral survey datasets (CSDs).

Consultation will run for three months.

The new viewer will provide surveyors with a digitally

moved from legacy Landonline for all surveyors

July 2024: Spatial search including export LandXML is available to surveyors Early 2025: Plan generation functionality is expected to be released to all surveyors, with pilot releases to initial testing groups later this year.

interactive view of a CSD as a replacement for the static tiff

Early 2025: My details and System maintenance

images currently used. A prototype of the interactive CSD

(for trusted contacts) is expected to be released

viewer will support the consultation, enabling users to test

to all surveyors.

its usability and how it affects their workflow – including the

Planned Roadmap

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 31

The transition of plan generation functionality into New Landonline will proceed in parallel with the consultation. Nick said: “If consultation proves that the CSD viewer prototype meets the needs of the tenure systems and customers, then we’ll start transitioning from plan generation to the CSD viewer. This means it’s important to not over-invest in plan generation in the short term.”

The time taken to approve survey datasets Pre-validation results are difficult to understand.

The modernising Landonline team has undertaken analysis of these problems. While work to make significant progress on many of these issues will take several years, LINZ has identified a range of options for helping address the above issues.

LINZ has recently engaged with surveyors who use

Understanding the survey professions key priorities for improvements to Landonline

Landonline through a comprehensive survey to understand

Over the past few years, LINZ has undertaken significant

prioritising future improvements to the system.

their perspective on the proposed improvements – specifically which developments would deliver the most value to them. This information will feed into the process for

engagement with the survey profession to understand the

Nick said he would update surveyors about this research at

major challenges in working with Landonline. Surveyors

the upcoming Survey and Spatial 2024 conference in Napier.

have advised that the biggest issues are:

•

Losing work on re-import of a LandXML file into Landonline The quality/usability of plan generation tools, and

Nick Stillwell is the Lead Consultant Surveyor for Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand’s Modernising Landonline programme.

plan outputs The amount of manual effort required to recapture existing easements Issues resulting from distortion caused by linking accurate survey positions to inaccurate DCDB positions

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32 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

• NEWS

Otago team wins space technology challenge Otago University School of Surveying

A

n innovative approach has helped an Otago

Efficient Monitoring of Agricultural Methane Emission",

team land first place in the Space for Planet Earth

looked at how methane emission monitoring could be

Challenge.

enhanced by using satellite data and artificial intelli-

The challenge has two category winners – a universi-

ty/startup level and a high school level – and is open to

gence algorithms.

Cristhian, who is in the third year of his PhD, says the

individuals and teams in New Zealand, Australia and the

project fit well with his own research topic – Hybrid

Pacific Islands. It aims to use space technologies to find

modeling: combining artificial intelligence with mecha-

new and innovative solutions to address climate change

nistic models to improve greenhouse gases estimations

issues in Australasia.

from remote sensing data.

Taking out the university/startup category for Otago

“We saw the Space for Planet Earth Challenge as a

was a team from the School of Computing and the

unique opportunity to leverage space technologies

School of Surveying led by PhD candidate Cristhian

for addressing environmental challenges, particularly

Camilo Delgado Fajardo and supported by Professor

in monitoring methane emissions from agricultural

Peter Whigham, Associate Professor Grant Dick and

activities. This topic was perfectly aligned with my

Associate Professor Pascal Sirguey.

PhD, so we saw a valuable opportunity to get training,

Their project, "Satellite-based AI Emulators for

support and do networking.”

Space for Planet Earth Challenge winners are, from left, Associate Professor Grant Dick, PhD candidate Cristhian Camilo Delgado Fajardo, Professor Peter Whigham and Associate Professor Pascal Sirguey.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 33

“I want to emphasise that the majority of the work, and the original motivation to compete in the challenge, was due to Cristhian. It was a remarkable effort and he showed tremendous leadership throughout.”

challenges through innovative research and technology.

“Our project won due to its innovative approach – combining advanced satellite technology with AI to tackle a pressing environmental issue. The judges appreciated our comprehensive methodology, the showcasing prototypes, and its potential impact. The fact that our initiative could be easily transferrable to newer satellites, like methaneSAT, makes it very attractive,” Cristhian says.

"Winning this award validates our research efforts and may open up new opportunities for collaboration and further advancements in environmental monitoring technologies."

The win comes with $25,000 and six months of mentorship from SpaceBase, which the team is utilising

Cristhian’s primary supervisor Peter says the project

to enhance their project, focusing on refining their satel-

was very much led and powered by Cristhian, who

lite-based AI emulators and expanding their capabilities

deserves the lion-share of credit for the win.

in efficiently monitoring agricultural methane emis-

“I want to emphasise that the majority of the work,

sions.

and the original motivation to compete in the challenge,

They have also made “significant progress” in their

was due to Cristhian. It was a remarkable effort and he

collaboration discussions with representatives from

showed tremendous leadership throughout.”

NIWA, GHGSat, and MethaneSAT, and recently presented

The team is “thrilled and honoured” to have won

their groundbreaking work at the Machine Intelligence

the award, which Cristhian says has motivated them

for GeoAnalytics and Remote Sensing (MIGARS) 2024

to continue their work in addressing environmental

conference.

34 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

•

• OBITUARY

Hadyn Sidney Smith 25 July 1958 – 19 April 2024 Known for his warm and inviting nature, Hadyn had a gift for connecting with everyone he encountered. Whether he was sharing stories from his days in the police force or chatting about the latest rugby match, his genuine enthusiasm and kindness left a lasting impression on many.

H

adyn was CEO of Survey and Spatial NZ for 6 years from 2012 to 2018. Most recently, Hadyn was CEO of Crimestoppers NZ and the Honest Bunch Foundation charity.

Hadyn joined S+SNZ (then NZIS) on the cusp of implementing the hugely challenging

new governance model developed in 2011-2012 titled ‘The Way Forward 2013’. The new organisational constitution and rules were successfully implemented under Hadyn’s watch.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024 35

Hadyn came to us from Land Search and Rescue New Zealand, bringing with him strong financial management, leadership and relationship building skills which he put to excellent use in building up the very successful commercial partnership programme. He was also instrumental in bringing together the NZ Spatial Excellence Awards (NZSEA) that have now been recognising and celebrating the very best of geospatial community for five years.

During his tenure, Hadyn showed a strong interest in not-for-profit community projects and was the Chair of the Alex Moore Park “Sportville” Development in Johnsonville, Wellington. This interest also came to the fore with launch of the Kairūri Community Trust - set up to help the next generation of surveying and spatial professionals where Hadyn was a key player in the Trust’s development and implementation. As an avid sports fan, particularly in rugby and softball, Hadyn has been deeply involved in developing New Zealand’s young softball talent.

Hadyn was a ‘larger than life’ character, who was interested in people and a very caring person. He will be sadly missed, and our deepest condolences go out to Hadyn’s family – his wife, Jan, daughters Rachel and Hannah and their husbands Dave and Ben and all Hadyn’s family.

36 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 116 Winter Edition 2024

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