Surveying+Spatial Issue #117 Magazine - Spring 2024

Spring 2024 #117

RESILIENCE IN THE REGIONS BUILDING ASSET RESILIENCE 2024 GSI AWARDS EVENING SURVEY SAFELY

• EDITORIAL

Focusing on the Heartland

N

ew Zealand’s regional heartland is experiencing a noticeable surge in resilient infrastructure and regional development projects at the moment.

Partnering with local authorities, central government and communities, a number of essential developments are taking shape around the country, ensuring greater resilience and better protection for communities.

Following several challenging natural disasters across the country, including Cyclone Gabrielle and its immense impact, investment in resilient infrastructure has become critical for our region’s economic security and future growth.

Investment from the Government’s $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund is helping many regions realise vital infrastructure projects including flood protection, land restoration and weather recovery support in conjunction with Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. With greater investment in the regions, our provincial heartland can be more confident of future growth and development.

This edition we’re taking inspiration from this year’s Survey + Spatial NZ conference theme, Looking Ahead in the Heartland, examining some of the challenges, analysis and resilience projects that are taking place in New Zealand’s

provincial regions at the moment.

Patrick McVeigh of Beca makes the case for a new approach in spatial planning, aligning with economic development for a systems-led delivery of social, environmental and cultural outcomes in New Zealand.

Fulton Hogan’s Chris Walker gives a personal account of working on the Waimea Dam, New Zealand’s largest dam project for over 30 years, which has secured a significant regional water storage supply for the Tasman district.

With lessons learnt from Cyclone Gabrielle, Beca’s Darren de Klerk discusses asset resilience for New Zealand’s changing climate future.

Direct from this year’s S+S NZ Conference in Napier, we feature this year’s winners at the GSI Awards Evening, recognising our members’ outstanding service to the industry in New Zealand.

And finally, Charlie Firth, Taine Hallberg, Amira Jain, and Emily Tidey report on the 2024 World Hydrography Day Seminar hosted this year by the Royal New Zealand Navy at

•

its Devonport base in Auckland.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 1

Survey and Spatial

New Zealand TĀTAI WHENUA

SURVEYING+SPATIAL

ISSUE 117 SPRING 2024 A publication of Survey and Spatial New Zealand, Tātai Whenua.

ISSN 2382-1604 www.surveyspatialnz.org

EDITOR 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.

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

Contents Spring Edition 2024 1

Editorial Rachel Harris

6 Spatial Planning and Economic Development From Strategy To Delivery

By Patrick McVeigh 8 Can City Deals improve Aotearoa New Zealand’s Transport and Spatial Planning Outcomes?

By Christina Robertson and Rob Young 11 Resilience in the Regions, Securing the Regions Water Supply

By Chris Walker

6

8

15 Building Asset Resilience Infrastructure Atrategies For A Changing Climate Future

By Darren de Klerk 19 2024 GSI Awards Evening

11

24 World Hydrography Day Seminar

By Charlie Firth, Taine Hallberg, Amira Jain, Emily Tidey 28 Time to retire more Legacy Landonline features

30 Asset Management Data Standards (AMDS) for Survey and Spatial Professionals

By James Irwin, Dylan Revell and Charlie Latchford, 12d

15

34 Survey Safely Robots In Hazardous Spaces 36 Spatial planning and economic development 38 Celebrating Dr. Mick Newest Fellow Of S+SNZ

39 Title Defects Holding Back Property Development Stephanie Harris Glaister Ennor Hope Horrocks

24

42 News: Archie Finds His Way Back to the Family

43 A tertiary focus on the 'Heartland'

By Richard Hemi

44 Matthew Allen Poito Oakes

34 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 3

• FEATURE STORY

SPATIAL PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

FROM STRATEGY TO DELIVERY

By Patrick McVeigh, Technical Director, Beca

a difference to an estimated $200 billion gap.

Our productivity continues to lag peers and over the last 10 years has declined further. Without productivity growth, we will not be earning enough to pay for the infrastructure we need, let alone respond to significant global challenges such as climate change.

The need for a new approach

Patrick McVeigh, Technical Director – Economic Development Advisory with Beca, makes the case for greater integration of spatial planning, economic development, and infrastructure delivery. (Article originally published in InfraRead, the Infrastructure New Zealand publication).

We need to think differently about

A

planning and infrastructure delivery.

sustainable economic and productivity growth, not simply to do more with less, but seriously rethinking our approach to economic development and aligning this with spatial

s Councils prepare Long-Term

are seeking to address the imple-

Plans, they are making hard

mentation challenge, more needs

approach that integrates efforts

decisions on prioritising and

to be done to move from strategy to

to enhance the four well-beings,

funding infrastructure. This is part of

delivery.

and spatial planning should be the

the reason why there has been such

The challenge of slow growth

tool we use to set direction and plan

interest in city and regional deals, and the promise of new funding tools

There is a need for a ‘systems-led’

future growth, with a far greater focus on implementation.

However, it seems clear that deals

The funding challenge is compound-

Considering how spatial planning

will be more focused on reshaping

ed by a lack of business confidence,

can be a tool for enabling economic

how local and central government

stalled growth, and high inflation, as

development and how infrastructure

work together, rather than providing

highlighted in the OECD’s recent New

investment can redefine economic

any new money. Consequently, we

Zealand Economic Snapshot. At the

geography and unlock new

can’t afford to assume that these

same time, our infrastructure deficit

opportunities across our regions, is

deals will solve established infra-

continues to constrain growth, and

critical. Enabling towns and regions

structure challenges. While there are

the planned $1.2 billion Regional

to move away from population-led

some good examples of how places

Infrastructure Fund is unlikely to make

economic growth to a focus on

6 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

creating diversified and resilient local economies, with more businesses and jobs in industries that are competitive, trade-oriented, and innovation-focused.

Industry-led growth Economic development is an active process, and on its own, zoning land is not enough to attract new businesses, support existing businesses to grow or encourage startups. There is a need to align economic development, spatial planning, and infrastructure investment to support the growth, productivity, and competitiveness of key industries. We also need to consider the policy and regulatory settings that support local economic growth, prioritising those industries where there are ‘place’ advantages.

This is starting to happen. For example the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee are undertaking an industrial land study, going beyond a standard HBA to better understand not just land requirements but how to best support job creation and a healthy regional economy, aligning objectives of the Regional Economic

Prioritising quality jobs Economic development should also be focused on delivering good jobs. For this reason, many places have focused on growing their technology sector and encouraging innovation-based entrepreneurship, but opportunity sectors are broader than this. There are other ‘advanced industries’ including those in health, manufacturing and transport and logistics that provide good jobs for a wide range of workers in most regions.

Spatial planning can be a tool for further developing these sectors, ensuring that land and infrastructure requirements are supported by economic development plans that enable more and better jobs.

For example, in Queenstown Lakes as part of the district’s spatial planning approach the Council has developed an Economic Diversification Plan promoting economic opportunities that are less reliant on tourism.

New Zealand's $200 billion infrastructure gap requires a systemsled approach, aligning spatial planning with economic growth and private investment. with interventions such as targeted business attraction, focused on leveraging areas of specialisation and promoting cluster development, coupled with employment and skills development programmes. Where these can be tied to the delivery of economic enabling infrastructure, such Te Utanganui, the multi-modal distribution hub in the Manawatū, there are opportunities to accelerate economic growth outcomes,

Planning for the future

enabled through spatial planning.

Development Plan and the Future

The starting point for integrating

While there will still be the need

Development Strategy. Similarly,

spatial and economic planning

for resources to support implemen-

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Southern

must be to build on what is already

tation, in many cases the closer

Auckland Economic Masterplan pro-

known about local economies, sup-

connection to the market will create

cess, considered both the spatial and

plemented with further assessment

opportunities for private sector

industry development opportunities

of emerging areas of specialisation,

investment. This includes the use

arising from the development of the

levels of economic diversification,

of Public Private Partnerships, and

Drury-Opāheke future urban zone.

and niche sectors.

taking advantage of new tools such

There are also opportunities to

as user pays approaches and land

wider global trends, such as those

leverage ‘frontier firms’ and ‘anchor

value capture. In addition, there will

related to the ongoing impact of

institutions’, including universities,

also be opportunities to redirect

industry 4.0 and consider how these

hospitals, major employers, iwi,

other local and national spending to

might impact existing industries or

hapū and local businesses that have

align outcomes.

create opportunities for new sectors

significant place impacts. These

to develop. A good illustration of this

impacts could relate to their role as

to move from strategy to delivery, a

can be seen in ChristchurchNZ’s focus

large employers, or as purchasers of

new approach is needed, one that

on the strategic opportunity to

good and services, or they may own

is systems-led, builds on what has

develop the city and surrounding

and occupy significant areas of land

come before, and aligns efforts to

region as a hub for aerospace and

or key economic assets.

enhance social, economic, environ-

Spatial plans should also reflect on

future-focused transport innovation.

Fundamentally, for New Zealand

We need an integrated approach,

mental, and cultural wellbeing.

•

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 7

• CITY PLANNING

Can City Deals improve Aotearoa New Zealand’s Transport and Spatial Planning Outcomes?

By Christina Robertson and Rob Young, WSP

W

SP Technical Director for Transport (Cities and Places) Christina Robertson and Transport Planning Service Line Leader Rob Young draw on

their knowledge of spatial planning policies in Aotearoa and their experience with City Deals in the UK - explor-

spatial planning decisions to support economic growth.

ing whether these deals have the potential to improve

Agreements set up by Central Governments are based on

Aotearoa’s infrastructure and spatial planning decisions.

a set of commitments to give local authorities greater

Recent discussions in Aotearoa on City Deals have

responsibilities and funding control to attain a specific set

brought into sharp focus a debate had in many countries

of objectives. Many are related to infrastructure – such as

previously - how do we localise policy decision-making

road improvement schemes, Metro Rapid Transit projects

processes, particularly those concerning transport

(MRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) networks.

infrastructure and spatial planning, to promote economic growth.

What is a City Deal?

City Deals promote a more collaborative approach to governance. They’re based on a fundamental premise that local authorities can better understand the barriers to infrastructure improvement in their own locations and are,

City Deals give local governing bodies greater powers

therefore, in a better position to develop plans for their

to direct or control the outcome of infrastructure and

own community.

8 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

City Deals in the UK have empowered local governments, boosting efficiency and delivering faster results. With successful examples like Greater Manchester, Aotearoa can explore adopting this model to drive sustainable, locally-led development. Could City Deals be the future of governance here?

What types of deals have been agreed previously in the UK?

Bee Network in Greater Manchester

‘Wave 1’ of City Deals in the UK was initiated in 2011 and focused on the eight larger cities and city regions outside of the capital, such as The West Midlands and Greater Manchester. This allowed these cities more powers to improve public transport networks, such as the Bee Network in Greater Manchester and tackle more place-specific transport improvements such as the tram extension between Birmingham and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands.

A second tranche of deals began in 2014 and were aimed at the smaller cities in England, such as Leicester, Brighton and Preston. More recently, devolution agreements have been considered for some of the more rural regions of the UK, such as the County of Lincolnshire.

What are the main lessons that have been learnt in the UK that Aotearoa can use to its advantage?

Tram extension between Birmingham and Wolverhampton

authority in question to strengthen

deal provided Greater Manchester

their democratic arrangements with

Combined Authority with guaranteed

the local populous.

long-term funding stream, a £30

Aotearoa’s governing bodies are

million per annum rolling infrastruc-

In the early 2010’s the UK coalition

in a prime position to learn from the

ture fund, from Central Government.

Government used the political sup-

agreements set up in other countries,

It also allowed the creation of the suc-

port for more devolved powers in the

such as the UK, to decide whether City

cessful Greater Manchester Housing

country to replace the large number

Deals would be effective here and, if

Investment Board and The Greater

of single-purpose joint boards aimed

so, what type could be considered by

Manchester Investment Framework,

at cities with formal City Deals.

the Government.

which resulted in a more cohesive

The Local Democracy, Economic

There are many encouraging

Development and Construction Act

examples, including Greater Man-

helped to simplify the legislative

chester where a City Deal was set

These examples demonstrate that

process and devolved powers,

up in 2011 which devolved powers

City Deals have the potential to keep

while stipulating the need for the

to a new Combined Authority. The

the decision-making process to a

approach to infrastructure and spatial planning decision making.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 9

more manageable size than those controlled by Central Governments, both in terms of the administration required and the number of decision-makers involved. The more successful deals have maximised these benefits and, consequently, produced more cost-effective results with more efficient monitoring systems, leading to quicker outcomes.

What made all the difference in the more successful agreements in the UK? City Deals in places such as Greater Manchester and The West Midlands

The WMCA, led by Andy Street, showcases strong collaboration, bringing together leaders from seven West Midlands County local authorities to drive regional progress.

benefited from two factors that had a

especially when some commentators

From evidence we have seen in the

significant influence on their success:

argued these cities were compara-

UK, we see an opportunity to use

Leadership: One characteristic that

tively fortunate to be given such an

City Deals in Aotearoa, but it will be

opportunity.

important to aim for a consistent

is critical success factor is the type and style of leadership each city-region

Area of consideration: When

established from the outset. Those

initially set up, all the successful

that have a well-defined, visible,

agreements we have seen in the UK

Deals are now in place in the

leadership group, with the comfort of

were formed taking particular care

UK that cover city-regions, towns

strong, local political support, gained

to agree the area to be covered.

and rural areas. After 12 years of

more success in the long term.

framework approach that works for the whole country.

Importantly, the agreements

introducing City Deals, they have

The West Midlands Combined

considered the relationship between

learnt that different deals are needed

Authority (WMCA) in the UK is a good

spatial planning and transport policy

for different areas, not just cities and

example of an authority that, under

and how the cities were connected to

city-regions.

the leadership of Andy Street, has

their surrounding suburban and rural

One size does not fit all. We

formed an effective leadership group

areas. They were formed as city-re-

have an opportunity to aim for

with the members representing the

gions to strengthen these links and to

this approach from the outset in

other seven West Midlands County

take into consideration the economic

Aotearoa and tailor deals for places

local authorities.

influence of their respective cities to

of differing sizes and composition

these surroundings.

throughout the country.

The quality of leadership was

•

paramount when negotiating deals

This made it easier to make

with the UK Government, arranging

integrated transport and planning

As a born Kiwi and a Mancunian

borrowing processes, setting out

decisions in parallel - including

now residing in Auckland,

strategies that integrated well with

fundamental efficiencies when

we both feel there is an

national policy, and promoting their

improving transport links. Better

opportunity for Aotearoa to

City Deal to unlock potential funding

informed decisions could then be

learn lessons from the UK,

opportunities with the private sector.

made when considering projects such

especially when developing

Strong leadership groups like these

as major highway improvements and

their City Deals approach. What

Bus Rapid Transit schemes.

do you think? Can City Deals

are also able to focus attention on the clear objectives they initially set out, such as their Clean Growth objectives.

They needed to demonstrate that they had the personnel, drive, and organisation capability to get results,

Can City Deals improve integrated transport and spatial planning decisionmaking in NZ?

10 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

improve integrated transport and planning decision-making in Aotearoa? Contact us and let us know!

• COVER STORY

Resilience in the Regions, Securing the Regions Water Supply THE BUILDING OF WAIMEA DAM, TE KURAWAI O PUHANGA, TASMAN: A PERSONAL ACCOUNT

By Chris Walker, Survey Manager Fulton Hogan /Taylors Contracting Joint Venture

With the increasing pressure of climate change in the Tasman region and the growing needs of irrigators and the local community across the Waimea Plains, water security has become paramount in recent years. A water storage dam was considered for more than 20 years before being given the green light and a public-private partnership was formed between the local authority, Tasman District Council, and the Waimea irrigators to begin construction on the Waimea dam.

T

Establishing Survey control onsite

pass up. The site is located in the Lee

the access road to the narrow part

he opportunity to work on New Zealand’s largest dam project in over 30 years – the Clyde Dam

was built in 1993 – was too much to Valley, approximately 14km east of Brightwater, Tasman, and in the Richmond Ranges.

At completion, the dam crest is 53m above the original riverbed, 220m long, and 6m wide at the crest. It also comprises a 165m long curved spillway, and a 170m long double box culvert extending from the upstream to the downstream end, under the reinforced rock embankment. The reservoir behind the dam holds approximately 12.5 million cm3 of water. The purpose of the dam is to maintain minimum flows in the Lee River for downstream users.

In July 2019, I made my way up of the valley above Pig Flat to see clearing of the production forest and early earthworks under way.

A temporary GNSS base station had

Dam Reservoir (March 2024), Mt Rintoul in the background.

been established on a close hilltop for earthworks, and a site calibration using the few local cadastral marks provided the corrections in order to begin the work.

Early view of the valley above the dam, forestry clearing and the first earthworks (July 2019).

Considerations were then made as to where the best locations for permanent concrete control pillars could be established. They needed to be on stable ground, preferably intervisible,

Early view of the valley above the dam, forestry clearing and the first earthworks (July 2019).

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 11

with minimal risk of construction disturbance. Further connection to the few geodetic and cadastral marks that existed in this part of the Lee Valley confirmed the calibration.

The primary network was observed and adjusted, and secondary marks placed closer to the work face areas.

Trig heighting methodology was used to transfer and close a loop from the site’s primary benchmark, a bridge bolt on the old Waterfall Creek bridge deck. This height was established some years before during preliminary site surveys and is used as the basis for the design reduced levels.

Bucket calibration and verification, using various survey methods.

phase involved 3d model surface preparations, uploaded to machine control on any one of Taylors’ excavators, and then verification that cut surfaces were to design, firstly using GNSS rovers, and then by detailed terrestrial scanning of the surfaces. Using Trimble software,

Geo mapping mark out near the Left Hand Plinth, embankment filling underway.

volume calculations were carried out

for stability and to support the

to track monthly progress and final Primary Control Pillar, on Anslows High Road.

quantities. Using the scanner enabled safe and remote data capture of excavated surfaces without impeding the progress of the many machines onsite.

Taylors Contracting had experience with machine control from earlier

construction of dam itself.

Drill plans were then either calculated for machine-controlled drilling or marked onsite manually. Another scan was carried out once the anchors were placed and matched with the drill logs.

Managing the data was critical.

large-scale projects in Canterbury and this proved to be the most efficient way to implement the design.

Geo-Mapping and Anchors Terrestrial scanning of the cleaned Secondary control, temporary and where possible.

rock surface provided not just evidence that excavation had been completed to the 3d model, but also a

Earthworks and new technology

detailed picture of the rock structure.

An early decision by JV partner Taylors

footprint of the dam and surrounding

Contracting to utilise the Trimble SX10

cut faces. This enabled the engineers

Scanning Total Station has proven to

to make decisions around the position

be the ‘right tool’ for the job. From a

type and configuration of the anchors,

survey perspective, the earthworks

that were to be drilled and anchored

Slope protection drill and anchoring, mesh and shotcrete, all scanned for as-builts and claims.

It was used in conjunction with the Geotech engineers to map the

12 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

Anchor drilling completed and grout drilling set out, LH Plinth

Structures and Monitoring Progress

face, face slab(FS) 10 and the intake

plunge pool structures were being

pedestals and spillway itself.

constructed on the downstream side

During the high activity period of con-

of the main embankment, the up-

With the earthworks rock cleaning

struction, there were often multiple

stream side of the rock embankment

and anchoring well under way,

work fronts open at any time. This

was being covered by an 18.5km

construction started on the left-hand

meant an increase of demand on the

kerb underlying a concrete face, and

plinth and the box culvert. Other

survey team. Priority, resources and

an extra thick face slab for the intake

concrete structures to be completed

communication were key to ensuring

pipes.

were the starter dam, the right-hand

the project carried on smoothly.

Periodically (every five layers of

plinth, the embankment concrete

While the spillway, its approaches and

kerb), we would scan the kerb face

Completion of the culvert, filling the reinforced rock filled embankment and Spillway construction.

Upper spillway construction, defect treatment, rock surface cleaning and mapping, slope protection, spillway drainage, and guidewall construction. (February 2022).

Face slabs being constructed over the foundation kerb. Steel fixers place reinforcing on the next section, whilst the scan is underway.

Completed face slabs, FS10 with pedestals, intake pipes, screens and winching rails.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 13

as construction proceeded to ensure the newly built sections met the contract specification. The scans were also used to monitor settlement and deformation of the embankment shape and compared against a deformation model.

Making use of a 3d design model was key to the success of the project. This was used in combination with the priority pdf drawing set. From office to site, and back to office, using linework and surfaces to implement the design Office verification of ECF kerb, slope (1:1.5) and offset to design strings

and provide real-time verification on the Trimble controller, and back in the office to demonstrate design and specification compliance.

Closing out the Project -Stage 1 The completion of the stage 1 structures was heralded by the completion of the spillway and then the closing of the temporary culvert, thus enabling the dam reservoir to fill to the level of the Ogee Weir, and flow down the spillway.

As-builts still needed to be completed Trimble software showing As-built scan of spillway bridge vs design mesh

and electronic files transferred to ensure quality compliance.

This is very much an abridged account of the project from my perspective.

The mechanical (culvert pipe installation) and electrical (dam controls) phases of the project were still to be completed and were in themselves huge challenges. These were finally completed in September 2024.

Thanks must go to the entire construction team that I worked with, and in particular, John Heaphy, Reece Moon and Alex Smith, for making this project a career highlight.

Acknowledgment must also go to Fulton Hogan Major Projects NZ, Taylors Contracting Ltd (and the client for the use of the photography). The expressions and views in this article are solely those of the writer.

The spillway working in combination with the culvert outlet cones (April 2024).

14 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

•

• FEATURE STORY

BUILDING ASSET RESILIENCE

Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant unprecedented damage to many communities across the North Island of New Zealand, impacting our lifelines - infrastructure, housing, the primary sector, and businesses. Vital infrastructure

Infrastructure Strategies for a Changing Climate Future

we might have taken for granted

By Darren de Klerk, Beca

cations, and power supplies all

Business Director - Water and Āpōpō Board Member Darren de Klerk reflects on his experience leading significant work programmes post Cyclone Gabrielle and the role of asset managers in building asset resilience into our infrastructure future.

that will be felt for decades.

A

we can. As infrastructure leaders,

was tested, and found wanting – our roads, water, wastewater, stormwater, waste, communiimpacted, creating rippling effects

sset resilience in Aotearoa

Āpōpō congress, the term ‘mokopuna

requires our infrastructure

decision-making’ really resonated

assets to withstand, adapt,

that generational thinking needs to

and recover from unexpected but

be at the forefront of an asset man-

probable events like cyclones. Our

agers’ decision making.

decision making needs to enable

Mokopuna decision-making re-

resilient assets that are physically

minds and grounds me that it’s about

durable, financially sustainable, offer

the people. Infrastructure is a valuable

operational continuity and serve our

tangible lifeline, but without the

communities in the long term. At the

people, the asset serves no purpose.

Post-disaster recovery requires a multifaceted, multi-agency approach to respond, recover, plan and mitigate future risks as best we need to be addressing both

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 15

immediate solutions following any

data, local conditions, and future

Resilient fit-for-future con-

event, and then taking the lessons

climate projections. Working closely

struction: It’s essential to adopt

and creating long-term strategies.

with others by taking a multi-agency

construction practices that enhance

Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastating im-

approach can offer valuable insight.

a structures ability to withstand

pact on Aotearoa calls for robust asset

Scenario planning: Developing mul-

nature’s forces. While this could

management strategies to navigate

tiple dynamic climate scenarios can

include using stronger materials or

the increasing frequency and intensity

help anticipate and encourage flexible

upgrading existing structures, it’s

of extreme weather events.

and adaptive management strategies.

also important to consider whether

Five key areas worth considering for an asset resilient infrastructure future

Typically, we don’t do this well, and

existing levels of services are even

while we have plans, these aren’t well

achievable, and whether safe failing

known and easily implementable.

infrastructure could be installed that

1. Learning, Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning

insurance coverage for our assets is

Learning: Each event unfortunately offers us an opportunity to learn and reflect. From how our assets performed, to how we supported our communities, and to how our communities supported each other.

We can reflect on what worked and what didn’t at an asset and social level to benefit future generations.

Localised climate risk analysis: It’s important to understand the specific vulnerabilities of our assets and our regions to disasters. Comprehensive risk assessments should consider historical

Insurance and financial protection: Ensuring adequate crucial. Asset managers should be working across their organisations to review and update cover and valuations to consider a wide range of climate-related risks. Additionally, asset owners need to think globally for local solutions. For example, where appropriate, innovative financial instruments like catastrophe bonds could provide financial protection against major losses from extreme weather events.

2. Investing in Resilient Infrastructure and Building Back Better

16 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

could be recovered and repaired quicker. By supporting communities in understanding the expected performance of their community assets, we can better equip them to respond at a local level.

Nature-based solutions: By leveraging, restoring and preserving Aotearoa’s natural landscapes, such as wetlands and mangroves, we can enhance our taiao, and integrate Mātauranga Māori while building effective buffers against flooding, enhance resilience and offer additional ecological benefits. For example, wetlands can absorb excess rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding and improving water quality. Why not consider these in ‘build back better’ plans?

Building back at all: Through robust

the longevity of our assets and slow

for learning, anticipation, proactive

engagement with communities and

the need for upgrades.

maintenance, and rapid response

asset users, consider whether the

At a community level, we can work

solution to ‘build back better’ is to

to equip and empower our commu-

impact the way we respond to climate

rebuild at all. Consider evaluating if

nities to become more sustainable,

events. For example, while sensors

a simpler, more manageable service

while again, lessening their reliance

are common, they are not consistently

level might better suit the community’s

on a centralised infrastructure. For

applied or understood and have the

recovery. While much is talked about

example, across the East Coast fol-

potential to provide asset managers

where we build and the decisions

lowing Cyclone Gabrielle, there were

with key information to make

made in a planning context, we really

examples of equipping community

decisions for future investment, or

need to look hard at the impact of

hubs to support their communities.

more critically, in a disaster.

providing this sprawling infrastructure,

Fit-for-purpose climate policy:

to emerging events could positively

Big data and analytics: By

considering the cost to install and

Our evolving climate-related policy is

analysing vast amounts of data, asset

maintain, followed by the cost to

crucial to supporting sound decision

managers can identify patterns and

insure and recover these assets.

making and capturing the learnings

trends, predict potential impacts, and

from our experiences. Asset managers

optimise resources. This data-driven

are key enablers in operationalising

approach provides for more accurate

these policies, for instance, employ-

risk assessments, more effective

ing stricter building codes for hazard/

mitigation strategies and informs

Empowering communities: When

risk-prone areas can enhance overall

better decision-making.

considering the role of asset man-

resilience for the future.

3. Embracing sustainable solutions and empowering communities

agers in enabling and empowering communities to look after themselves

Smart infrastructure: Investing in smart infrastructure that incorporates

4. Leveraging Innovation

advanced technologies can contribute

during more frequent climate

Real-time monitoring: Technologies

to more resilient and efficient asset

events, could success be measured

such as IoT (Internet of Things)

management. For example, smart

by lessening reliance on traditional

sensors, machine learning and AI

grids for electricity distribution that

infrastructure? For example, enabling

(Artificial Intelligence) can play a

can automatically detect and respond

properties to install on-property

crucial role in building resilience into

to faults and smart water manage-

water storage or back up power

our assets and communities. Enabling

ment systems that optimise water

supplies would help in prolonging

real-time monitoring that allows

usage and reduce flood risks.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 17

Being ready for our uncertain future

5. Asset Managers that are pragmatic, that listen, learn and share

discussions and assessment before

Stakeholder engagement: Engaging

been referred to a fair lately in the

It’s real, we cannot bury our heads in

with local communities, landowners,

industry, and this analogy reflects

the sand, and as leaders of our commu-

tangata whenua, contractors,

whether we are simply pouring

nity assets we can make a difference.

engineers, designers, politicians, and

more time, resource, effort, and

The decisions we make everyday

government agencies, are essential

money into something that’s

influence how prepared the commu-

to making sound and informed asset

fundamentally littered with issues,

nities and people we serve are for the

management decisions. Collaborative

rather than fixing the issue.

future. Cyclone Gabrielle has made

we opt to build new.

The ‘leaky bucket’ analogy has

efforts through diverse perspectives

The very public and literal water

climate change real for many, and 2023

and needs lead to more effective

loss through our pipes are a great

is an unmistakable turning point in our

resilience strategies, for example,

example, and the need get these

climate history and future, etched in

involving local communities in flood

under control and this could reduce

history for all the wrong reasons, and

mitigation projects can enhance the

some of the need for investment.

providing us a stark reminder of the

effectiveness and acceptance of the solutions.

Fit for purpose management and

Continuous education and sharing: Providing ongoing education on climate risks and resilience

critical importance of infrastructure as a lifeline in our daily lives.

Asset managers have a vital role in

investment: Managing our existing

strategies for communities, leaders

our infrastructure future, planning and

assets is as important as investing in

and asset managers will help equip

managing existing assets, building

new assets - we can’t always afford

those who may be impacted in

new, building back, or creating policies

to continue to build new structures

future to make informed decisions

to guide future decision making. By

or build back damaged ones. We

and stay ahead of emerging trends

understanding our risks, enabling

have to get more out of our existing

and challenges.

resilient and sustainable infrastructure,

resources, be that people, systems or

As infrastructure professionals,

and leveraging technological advance-

we need to be having realistic

ments, asset managers can learn, lead,

It’s vital as asset managers that

conversations on the risks involved,

enable, engage and contribute to a

we are being as efficient as possible,

what resilience means, and raising

more resilient, prepared and sustain-

considering this as part of any

awareness.

able Aotearoa.

the physical assets.

18 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

•

• COVER STORY

2024 GSI AWARDS EVENING Hardworking S+SNZ members and members of streams/divisions were recognised for their contributions at the 2024 GSI Awards evening held at the end of August at the Annual S+SNZ Conference. More than 300 people gathered in the ballroom at the stunning National War Memorial Centre dressed to impress in their finest black-tie attire to acknowledge the finalists and congratulate the many winners, all of whom are making significant positive impacts in the sector.

This year’s event was more than

positive change across New Zealand.

by the charismatic Melissa Chan-

just an awards ceremony – it was a

“The S+SNZ Awards are all about

Green, who added her own touch

night of celebration, recognition and

celebrating those who stare in the

of humour as MC, and Kiwi comedy

inspiration. The crowd cheered as

face of obstacles, and unleash the true

legend Raybon Kan kept the crowd

finalists were announced, and winners

genius of Kiwi innovation, as well as

laughing as the entertainment for

stepped up to the stage, each a shining

those who demonstrate the highest

the evening. The 2024 GSI Awards

example of innovation, dedication

ideals of professionalism and service,”

evening was made possible by key

and excellence. Their contributions

S+SNZ CEO Ashley Church said.

sponsor GSI Insurance Partners, led by

are reshaping the sector and driving

The evening's energy was elevated

Glenn Stone.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 19

THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 S+SNZ STREAM AWARDS The McRae Supreme Award for 2024 and Professional Excellence in Cadastral Surveying award were awarded to Richard Hemi.

Richard graduated from the University of Otago with a BSurv in 1988 and went on to obtain his cadastral licence in 1991. Next, he worked in private practice in Nelson, the UK and Auckland before joining the National School of Surveying, University of Otago, in 2008, where he is now a Senior Professional Teaching Fellow.

Alongside his educational achievements, Richard has also been an active Coastal Otago branch

Richard Hemi with his two awards

member, a member of the Cadastral

a current Survey and Spatial New

ongoing dedication to the profession,

Stream Executive Committee since

Zealand councillor representing the

in the cadastral area and the survey

its formation, a member of the

tertiary sector.

and spatial profession as a whole,

Survey and Title Enhancement Programme working group and is

Richard’s work to promote education in surveying along with his

make him an extremely worthy candidate for both of these awards.

For outstanding service to the Land Development industry, Carl Salmons was recognised for his determination, empathy and his extensive experience as a leader in the surveying and land development space. He embodies a culture of excellence and ambition and takes great pride in supporting his employees and other land development professionals to grow and thrive in their careers.

He works tirelessly advocating for the survey profession with local council and the wider development community Carl Salmons accepting his Land Development Award for outstanding service

ensuring that we, as surveyors, maintain our foothold in the land development space

For professional excellence in the positioning and measurement industry, Rodney Pilbrow was recognised for his extraordinary innovation and leadership throughout his career.

His contributions to the surveying industry are profound and far-reaching. His relentless pursuit of innovation, commitment to his team and dedication to client satisfaction make him an outstanding winner for this award.

Rodney Pilbrow with his P&M Award for Professional Excellence

20 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

Fax McKernan was this year’s very deserving recipient of the Engineering Surveying Award for outstanding service to the industry. Fax was commended for his exceptional dedication and invaluable contributions to the Central Interceptor Project and engineering surveying profession.

The final stream award was awarded to Andrew Price for outstanding service to the hydrography industry.

Andrew delivered a complex project using an unfamiliar vessel and uncrewed, autonomous vessel technology, which had not been used previously on this scale in New Zealand. Despite being new to his leadership role and facing numerous challenges, Andrew demonstrated calmness, determination and adaptability. He was the linchpin between the survey and vessel teams, ensuring safe and harmonious operations.

BOGLE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

Our extremely well-deserved winner of the Young Professional of the Year Award, Nicky Shaw, has made a significant contribution to the profession, has shown outstanding leadership and has proven herself to be a fantastic role model to other young professionals. In 2019 she was awarded the Maurice Crompton-Smith prize for the best set of projects presented for cadastral licensing, and also gained the best result in the cadastral law exam.

She is an inspirational and hard-working member of her profession and is a very deserving recipient of this year’s Bogle Award.

TECHNICIANS PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD This year the Technicians Professional Excellence Award was presented to Bruce Walker.

Alongside acting as an assessor for the Survey and Spatial Engineering Certification Qualification, in recent years Bruce has tirelessly given his time and expertise to the development and launching of the new certifications developed for Survey and Spatial New Zealand. This has involved countless hours working with and supporting the developer of these credentials. What has been achieved with these qualifications will be looked back on as a major achievement for those who instigated, developed and implemented them, as well as one of the most significant advancements in the professional standing of many Bruce Walker accepts his Technicians Award from Andrew Perry

members, particularly technician surveyors.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 21

S+SNZ PROJECT EXCELLENCE AWARD The S+SNZ Project Excellence Award celebrates the achievements of our top surveying and spatial organisations and showcases the finest projects we have to offer.

The worthy winner of the Project Excellence Award for 2024 is Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, which had the complex task of reconfiguring the land in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor into around 200 lots that aligned with the land-use categories provided for in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Lloyd McGarvey accepts the Project Excellence Award on behalf of Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand

Development Plan.

CONSULTING SURVEYORS OF NZ EMPLOYER EXCELLENCE AWARD The Consulting Surveyors NZ

creating high levels of employee

a positive culture, providing indus-

Employer Excellence Award

satisfaction which have contributed to

try-leading people development

celebrates businesses that are leaders

their outstanding success.

programmes and creating healthy

in the profession and demonstrates

This year’s award goes to Woods

exceptional people practices that puts

Consultants Ltd, an employee-owned

people at the heart of their businesses

company which was established in

This year the quality of entries was

and culture. These businesses create a

1970 and prides itself on investing

high and two finalists received highly

workplace that focuses on employee

in its people who are at the core of

commended awards. These were

wellbeing, supportive environments,

everything the company does.

awarded to Eliot Sinclair and Landlink.

employee development and implemented employee-focused initiatives

Woods Consultants has a long-standing tradition of fostering

Sam Hackett accepts the CSNZ Employer Excellence Award on behalf of Woods

22 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

work environments through a strong focus of wellbeing and safety.

CADASTRAL SURVEY OF THE YEAR AWARD The Cadastral Survey of the Year Award recognises the outstanding cadastral surveys which have been carried out by cadastral surveyors over the past 12 months. The winner of this award was Mark Geddes for SO 571293.

The winner of the Cadastral Survey of the Year Gold Award – Mark Geddes, with Past President Andrew Perry

In second place, receiving the Silver Award, was Craig McInnes for DP 592340.

In third place, receiving the Bronze Award, was Sean Railton for SO 579550

The three winners of the Cadastral Survey of the Year Awards, from left, Craig McInnes, Mark Geddes and Sean Railton

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 23

• CASE STUDY

World Hydrography Day Seminar

By Charlie Firth, Taine Hallberg, Amira Jain, Emily Tidey

I

n July, hydrographers from around New Zealand met at

vessels with a beam of 109 feet or more. The new system

the annual NZ Region (NZR) Australasian Hydrographic

enables these large vessels to achieve positioning and rate

Society (AHS) seminar, hosted this year by the Royal New

of turn data to the centimetre, which is necessary for safe

Zealand Navy (RNZN) at their base in Devonport, Auckland.

navigation through confined spaces. Gary and his team

We recognised World Hydrography Day (https://iho.int/

tested the system in New Zealand on the Lyttelton Port

en/world-hydrography-day) with a range of interesting

passenger ferry and the Interislander, as well as in novel

presentations, student sponsorship and time with other

ways such as taking it through the Lyttelton tunnel for

like-minded surveyors.

inertial navigation system (INS) testing.

Thirteen students from around Aotearoa NZ were sponsored by the NZR AHS to participate. They either presented on the day or prepared this write-up, photos and other

Photo R. Kuhn

Photo G. Chisholm

social media outputs.

Installation of the GNSS antennas on the vessel.

What’s Going On at Otago? University of Otago students Attendees’ group photo with Auckland Harbour in the background.

Brayden Foote, Joseph Anderson and Amy Cadwell shared

The MPS566 Pilot System: Gary Chisholm, from Trimble,

their recent learnings from SURV322, the introductory

opened the seminar with discussion of a pilot guidance

course for hydrographic surveying. They discussed their

system that was designed, built and tested in New Zealand,

two main projects – a wharf survey and the other in a

and is now used on the Panama Canal. This is a recent

deeper section of the harbour – which were fun experi-

requirement mandated by the Panama Canal Authority for

ences through which they gained great base knowledge

24 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

to the industry. One sidenote was that it was a lot trickier

contribute to its under-representation among students,

to drive a vessel in straight lines when conducting a survey

who are often unaware of the diverse career opportunities

than it may seem.

it offers. Drawing from his recent work experiences, Riley painted a vivid picture of the hydrography work culture,

Credit R. Neal

Photo R. Kuhn

describing it as both welcoming and energising.

Bradley Cooper introduces Jo, Amy and Brayden.

Fluoro is the New Black! – Our Experience as Women in Surveying: Renee Stoddart and Meg Catley delivered a powerful presentation highlighting the crucial role of women in hydrography and the unique challenges they face in a male-dominated field. Their talk was especially timely, given the ongoing discussions about improving gender diversity in the industry. One major point they addressed was the lack of awareness among young women about hydrography as a career option. They noted that girls' schools often miss out on having speakers discuss traditionally male-dominated professions, creating a gap in education and opportunities. Their presentation emphasised the need to introduce surveying and hydrography to students at a younger age, aiming to inspire and build confidence in future generations of women.

The audience engagement and questioning afterwards showed wholehearted agreement that such initiatives are essential for fostering a more diverse and informed

Updating the FIG/IHO/ICA Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers: National Hydrographer Adam Greenland discussed upcoming work by the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC). The standards, first introduced in 1978, are being reorganised to keep pace with new technologies in surveying. One of the main challenges is determining which aspects of the old standards to retain and which to revise. Adam encouraged public input on this process.

Additionally, LINZ is focusing on outreach to universities and high schools to integrate relevant subjects earlier in the education system. This initiative aims to inspire young minds and shape future generations with innovative ideas and perspectives in the field of hydrography and nautical cartography.

Credit: R. Stoddard & M. Catley

workforce in the years ahead.

A slide from Reilly’s presentation.

A slide from Renee and Meg’s presentation.

Navigating the Depths – Transitioning University Knowledge into Industry: Riley Neal shared his university journey, particularly his experiences studying advanced 300-level and 400-level courses. He highlighted how these studies, although packed into a tight schedule, provided him with crucial, real-world concepts that proved invaluable in his professional growth. Riley addressed the challenges associated with the hydrography field, noting that its late introduction in many degree programmes might

Front cover of the current (2018) S-5A Standards of Competence

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 25

Water Level Reductions – A Low-cost Dual-frequency, Multi-GNSS Solution: Ryan Slattery took us through his honours research. He shared some interesting insights about using polycarbonate domes for protecting multiGNSS receivers. Ryan had initially thought that a worn-out dome might degrade the signal, but his tests showed that without the dome, there was more signal noise. He speculates that the dome could help filter out lower-elevation satellites, which might improve the overall signal geometry. Ryan also discussed the challenges of using Photo A. Jain

the budget-friendly receivers over long baselines, where atmospheric errors may not be the same at the receiver and base station, adding complexities in data reductions.

Despite this, Ryan aims to chase centimetre-level

Nimasha showcased her ideas for flood forecasting.

accuracy and could drastically cut costs for buoy systems

Seabed 2030 Pacific Regional Centre Update: Belen

by thousands of dollars. His work is poised to make a big

Jimenez Baron, of NIWA, passionately presented on the

difference in making high-precision measurements more

continued efforts of Seabed2030 to map the entire sea

affordable and accessible.

floor. Seabed2030 is pushing for hydrographic companies to map their transit to and from jobs, as well as providing a low-cost solution for private vessels to also contribute to the data set. The main issue is the size of the area that needs to be covered, and with a goal of 100m square pixel sizes, it needs everybody to contribute to the data set. Belen also showcased the Seabed2030 device which allows any vessel to collect and export data to add to the cause. This system is able to be plugged into most private vessels, which typically have a sonar and GNSS sensor

Photo A. Jain

onboard.

Ryan Slattery presenting his BSurv (Hons) work.

Harnessing the Power of Deep Learning and Earth Observation for Flood Forecasting in Aotearoa: Nimasha Herath, from Victoria University of Wellington, presented her research on flood forecasting using machine and deep learning techniques. Nimasha has recently started her PhD, after completing an MSc where she developed a model for

Slide from Belen’s presentation showing how around 75% of the global ocean floor is unmapped, May 2023.

flood extends and depth prediction in rivers. Now she is us-

Credit: B. Jimenes Baron (slide) and V. Ferrini (image)

ing earth observation techniques for past flood detection

An internship at NIWA – Contribution to mapping the

then using these to develop geospatial visualisations with

seabed of the Cook Islands: Juliette Dael is an exchange

interpretable and explainable models through machine

student from France who is working with NIWA on a

and deep learning. These earth observation techniques

project to map the sea floor of the Cook Islands for the

allowed her to build a training model for the software

Cook Islands Government. Her exchange through the

to then predict the extents, depths and impact on future

University of Victoria has allowed her to use multibeam

floods. The research aims to provide forecasted flood

echosounders and data to expand the data set for the area.

maps, reports, model explanations and interpretability

Juliette has greatly appreciated the autonomy given to her

that will not only be helpful in natural disaster rescue

by NIWA throughout the project allowing her to work and

response but also weather predictions.

learn valuable skills towards her hydrographic career.

26 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

Hydrography @ Otago: Emily Tidey, lecturer at the School of Surveying at the University of Otago gave a recap on recent updates including the recent curriculum adjustments which matched earlier conversations regarding updates of international standards of competence presented by Adam Greenland and many meaningful discussions regarding the importance of keeping the curriculums and certifications Photo A. Jain

relevant to an industry with the ever-increasing technological advancements. Emily gave us a look into the current research projects happening at the school and asked that Juliette presents about her work with NIWA.

if companies or individuals had some exciting prospects or

Kiribati Surveys: David Crossman has worked in many areas

ideas, the school is often open to connecting these ideas

around the world, yet the recent IIC Kiribati island surveys

with passionate students. Emily is regarded very highly

were a standout for him. The combined mapping project us-

among the students at the School of Surveying and her

ing bathymetry and airborne topography allowed detailed,

continued efforts in hydrography were clear with nine 3rd-

accurate surveys of four target islands, beginning a project

year students and two 4th-year students attending the day.

that aims to help to protect the people and islands of Kiribati and allow appropriate decisions to be made regarding sea level rise and future tourism opportunities in the area. The isolated nature of the job presented many difficulties, but the experience of meeting the local people and embracing

Image D. Crossman

Photo C. Tidey

their culture maintained ongoing buy-in to the project.

Emily’s SURV322 class in 2024.

It was a great trip for us university students as we all gained One of the underwater wrecks found during the survey.

Augmenting SDB for Hydrodynamic Modelling: Andrew Price showcased Ocean Infinity’s new method to augment satellite derived bathymetry (SDB) into hydrodynamic modelling. The project was looking at the currents surrounding Port Bonython in Australia where a new wharf will be constructed. By mapping the sea floor in the surrounding areas, a model of the currents prominent at the

great insight to the hydrography industry and what there is on offer, as well as meeting the awesome people involved.

The variety of presentations was a testament to the potential of hydrography as technology advances and practices develop. The ferry ride back to town was a very fitting way to finish off the seminar. All students pass on thanks for the NZR AHS’s continued encouragement of us through sponsorship, and the RNZN for hosting us in Devonport.

•

site can be drawn up and assist in the design to make sure it meets the necessary standards and safety. In this project, Andrew and OI combined the multibeam echosounder

Photo G. Pendred

Credit: A. Price, Ocean Infinity (Australia) Pty Ltd

bathymetry with SDB with novel mathematical processing.

The University of Otago students at the Lula Inn after the conference.

A slide from Andrew’s presentation showing the combined seabed coverage around Port Bonython.

We look forward to meeting with you next year!

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 27

Nick Stillwell, Senior Relationship Partner – Consulting Surveyor Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand

Time to retire more Legacy Landonline features

A

fter Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand successfully launched several new features over the past month, further Legacy Landonline functionality for

The LINZ website has all the details about the proposal and the digitally visualised survey plan prototype which demon-

surveyors is being switched off.

From early October the following functionality will only be

strates how the proposal could work.

The proposed changes to survey/title plans will impact the

available in New Landonline – Survey: Sign and Submit

way you work, so it is important for all users to take the time

My Messages

to review the proposal.

Your feedback is welcome either through your professional

Notices Requests

organisation or by email to engagement@linz.govt.nz

A majority of commonly used search functions are now

Fees Review Update

available in Web Search. Please give it a go and let us know

Thanks to all those who provided submissions on the survey

what you think.

The last major survey feature remaining in Legacy Landon-

and title fees review consultation earlier this year. We have

line is Plan Generation, which is planned to be available in

provided advice to the Minister on the feedback received from

new Landonline early next year. Legacy Landonline will be

industry. Current expectations are that Cabinet will decide on

switched off for all Landonline users by the end of March

new fees by the end of this calendar year.

Once we have Cabinet approval we will communicate the

2025.

Seeking Feedback on Digitally Visualised Survey Plans

final new fees. In the meantime, you can find the originally proposed fee changes in the discussion document.

As mentioned in the discussion document, should Cabinet

On 8 August LINZ launched a request for feedback on its

agree to the proposed new fees, you can expect them to be

proposal to modernise the way you view and use survey

implemented early in 2025.

plans. We’re inviting feedback from all Landonline users on the proposal to replace the current plans with a digitally visualised version.

We encourage you to give it a go, share it with your clients, legal professionals, territorial authorities, etc, and get their thoughts. People tell us it’s much easier to understand the proposal once you’ve tested it yourself.

•

To get started visit: www.linz.govt.nz/getting-started-survey

What’s next The next phase of work – to replace plan generation and submit and sign – has started. We’ll keep you in the loop with what’s happening as this work progresses.

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28 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

• XXXXXXXXXX

Asset Management Data Standards (AMDS) for Survey and Spatial Professionals James Irwin, Dylan Revell and Charlie Latchford, 12d

What is AMDS The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has been compiling and implementing the Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS) over the past few years. This standard provides an agreed set of definitions, asset categories, lookup attribute values and data requirements for the land transport industry across New Zealand, with a focus on digital engineering infrastructure.

One significant proposed change to AMDS is that the information is provided to the RCAs is spatial and is no longer linked to the road centre-line chainage and offset values. These changes will need to be incorporated into the company’s workflows and verification processes to ensure the delivered asset information is

• For more details, see: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/ roads-and-rail/asset-management-data-standard/about.

• AMDS has been released publicly and is now in Release Version 1.3, which is available for download and review:

compliant with AMDS.

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/

AMDS implementation

ment-data-standard/develop-

Future updates and releases of

These standards are to become the

AMDS will be managed, controlled

base requirements for not only state

and published by NZTA. AMDS will

highways assets but also nationwide

replace the existing requirements of

road controlling authorities such as

compiling RAMM spreadsheets as part

territorial authorities or councils. Each

of project completion sign-off or for

of these authorities have a schedule

new subdivision projects that require

for beginning the process of imple-

224c from the road controlling

menting and converting their existing

authority (RCA).

databases to the AMDS standard.

30 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

roads-and-rail/asset-management/data-standard-releases.

• For more information about the implementation timelines, see: https://www. nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/ asset-management-data-standard/implementation/ implementation-timeframes-and-activities.

This diagram from this website reference details the regions and dates for implementation, which will then translate to data requirements from survey and spatial professionals.

Currently, the RCAs and NZTA have

project that includes vested roads,

been concentrating on converting the

having a clear data workflow

existing RAMM asset information to

(including data validation against

the new AMDS format, with limited

the AMDS rules) before submitting

engagement with the wider spatial

metadata, which needs to be AMDS

community which provides the vast

compliant, to the RCA is vital.

majority of information for new

Example of AMDS The standards themselves contain many different asset classes as shown in the diagram.

Each overarching asset class is split into its own subclass of assets.

AMDS requires an incredible

assets entering the RCAs’ roading

amount of attribute information not

database.

only of each asset class but individ-

Sub-classes for the Drainage Asset Class are as follows:

ual assets in a typical infrastructure

• Chamber

project. The final asset attribute

• Channel

information will need to be sourced

• Headwall

from all stages of the construction

• Pipe

Quite simply, it means that all cap-

life cycle:

• Valve

ture, attribute input, data validation,

• Attribute information from

• Water Area

What this means for the survey and spatial community

and delivery of land transport assets are required to comply with AMDS. AMDS contains a vast amount of mandatory metadata attribute values, most of which are contained

existing databases.

• Water Structure.

• Attribute information from

The snapshot of the Drainage-Pipe

design models (pavement detail

Asset class from AMDS shows the

and depths).

granular level of detail of metadata

• Attribute information during

with predefined lists that are spec-

construction (pole numbers for

ified within the standard. Think of

street lights).

these as digital as-built standards.

If part of your current work

attributes required before delivery to the RCA. The structure is easier to visualise

• Attribute information during post-construction verification

from the 12d Model MetaConnex Editor.

Each pipe asset in an infrastruc-

practices is to populate RAMM

(testing results).

information spreadsheets, then you

All this required information will

will be required to provide the same

need to be compiled and verified on

attributes to be captured – equating

asset information in compliance

the asset before delivery to the RCA

to 63 attributes for every section of

with the higher level of detail

or territorial authority. A workflow

pipe!

required by AMDS.

planned out to ensure the correct

Needless to say, you do not want

ture project, requires about 63

Whether you are working on a

information is captured at the right

to be chasing down these attribute

state highway major infrastructure

time will save a tremendous amount

values right at the completion of a

project or a local land development

of time at the end of a project.

project just before hand-over.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 31

The standards themselves contain many different asset classes

The snapshot of the Drainage-Pipe Asset class from AMDS shows the granular level of detail of metadata attributes required before delivery to the RCA.

“The RCAs and NZTA's switch to AMDS mandates capturing up to 63 attributes per asset, ensuring detailed metadata compliance for land transport projects. Early planning, data collection, and validation throughout the project lifecycle are crucial to meet AMDS requirements and prevent delays during asset handover.”

32 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

The structure is easier to visualise from the 12d Model MetaConnex Editor.

Preplanning for AMDS

be used for your field survey code

not considered how to receive the

list and to prompt for required AMDS

metadata in terms for file formats and

attributes at the time of pick-up.

geometry definitions (such as points,

as-built assets attribution within

Software

lines or BIM objects) from the data

a project, starting to plan for the

To avoid manual entry of AMDS

requirements of AMDS within your

attributes into a spreadsheet, we

local region needs to be undertaken

recommend ensuring that your survey

before delivery.

reduction software has AMDS-compliant

As it usually falls to the surveyor to complete the population of any

Additionally, consider that you may be required to deliver the same asset information in compliance with more

providers. In fact, these authorities are most likely unaware of current

workflows to automate the population and verification of each asset.

As shown in the screenshot above,

than one standard. For example,

12d Model has the MetaConnex

the pipe asset information may be

system available to assist in the

required in both AMDS and Three

automation of as-built standard such

Waters Code of Practice standards.

as AMDS, Three Waters, Asset Design

Hardware

the pick-up of these assets.

If you have compiled a fully attributed asset model that can be delivered as a BIM model, having to populate a spreadsheet for delivery of the model will just lead to unneces-

As Constructed (ADAC), among others.

Liaise with your survey instrument

Where to from here?

manufacturer to see if many of the

Once you have your workflow

required asset class attributes can be

planning under way, it is highly

either populated at the time of pickup

recommended you engage with your

and, most importantly, be restricted

RCA or territorial authority and discuss

to the approved values as specified in

the format in which they are expect-

the AMDS.

ing metadata delivery to comply with

For example, the attribute for Pipe

survey practices that will be used in

sary work for your team.

Many authorities can consume the digital model but just do not know the correct format to ask for, so engaging in these discussions early will save a good deal of time and effort.

AMDS.

Class has 26 approved values for this

In our experience, the authorities

asset type. For those using 12d Field,

that are currently implementing the

the AMDS MetaConnex file can also

AMDS in their internal systems have

•

12d NZ will be undertaking a workshop talk about the AMDS workflows at the 2024 S+SNZ Conference in Napier.

For more information Please email support@12d.co.nzw

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 33

• CASE STUDY

SURVEY SAFELY ROBOTS IN HAZARDOUS SPACES

I

t’s no secret that New Zealand’s

areas. However, when drones are

three water infrastructures –

unsuitable for confined or hazardous

drinking water, wastewater and

environments, what alternatives do

stormwater – are ageing and have

we have? Traditional survey methods

suffered from insufficient investment

have evolved over the past decade to

in maintenance, asset refurbishment

include 3D laser scanning and other

and renewals. Our old and often

reality capture tools but remain unable

hard-to-reach assets require accurate

to provide highly accurate measure-

To make informed and calculated

surveys and inspections to ensure

ment data and high-quality imagery

engineering decisions on next steps,

their continued and safe use.

without endangering human lives.

actual data was needed to understand

Asset owners need accurate infor-

the size of the problem, the shape of

to make the best use of ratepayer

The Development of a Robotic Vehicle

funds. However, surveyors entering

Recently, when a highway structure

deteriorating assets face significant

inspector undertook a routine

health and safety risks, especially in

inspection of a 40-metre long, 2-metre

robotic vehicle to enter underground

underground infrastructure that’s

diameter culvert which had significant

culverts and complete large pipe

in slow collapse mode. Often these

fractures and shape distortion, it was

inspections. Designed for all-terrain

spaces cannot be safely accessed even

difficult to determine the extent of the

3D scanning and 360-degree photo

with confined space protocols due

damage and detect active deforma-

capture, the 6-wheeled robot, named

to risks of structural failure, debris or

tion. Situated under a highway, this

PIPE-I, enhances data collection

damage. With tight budgets in the

culvert provided the only access to a

capabilities, gives consistent and

current economic climate, how can

remote part of the coast.

repeatable results in a digital format at

mation on the condition of their assets

we effectively survey our assets while keeping our surveyors safe?

Remote Surveys

The inspector took a few photos and quickly exited the culvert due to concerns about his safety. However,

the pipe, and baseline measurements to use against future measurements to understand movement over time.

We explored the development of a

a very low cost and with almost zero human risk.

With a range exceeding 1 kilometre

because of the extent and location of

and a battery life of 6 hours with all

Aerial drones have transformed

the damage, someone needed to go

the spatial tools on board for the

surveying practices in recent years,

back inside and collect more informa-

modern era, the choice to delegate

allowing surveyors to work safely

tion but had no means of gathering

survey tasks to a robot becomes

while drones map hard-to-reach

this data safely.

straightforward.

34 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

“New Zealand's ageing water infrastructure requires safer inspections. The PIPE-i robot provides accurate 3D data, reducing risks and improving asset management.”

Compact and Clever Technology With the help of 3D printing technology, prototype designs were rapidly

underfloor spaces. The information collected can be presented in such a way as to provide a virtual digital twin of the structure.

from the bottom up – with a sole

Improved Asset Management and Safety for Workers

focus to support the integration of the

Robotic technology can change how

smallest 3D scanner on the market, the

at-risk assets are inspected, how data

Leica BLK360 Generation 2. The scanner

is accessed, visualised and analysed,

iterated to enhance the functionality of the robot over time. It was designed

is carried in a protected cargo area,

aiding in the improvement of

deploys the scanner when ready, and it

infrastructure resilience.

measures 680,000 points per second,

highlighted several benefits:

measurable points over a full survey.

• Eliminating confined space

The robot has an onboard autopilot

entry – engineers and surveyors can altogether avoid entering

autonomous capabilities. A raspberry

high-risk environments.

systems like PIPE-i have the potential to revolutionise confined space surveying, offering safer, more economical, and accurate solutions for gathering data in critical assets.

The future of this robot lies in creating end-to-end automated workflow for asset inspections, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. It has become clear that autonomous operation integrated with AI is the future for these robotic systems.

Autonomous systems promise to enhance productivity, allowing mundane or hazardous tasks to robots. The integration of such techmanagement, with automated data collection and analysis systems likely to revolutionise asset management. method of inspection and measure-

maintenance – the ability to

as a mini brain for the robot, helping

compare point cloud data sets over

it understand, communicate and

time allows for the monitoring of

interact with the world around it.

assets for deformation, preventing

The adjustable height between

catastrophic failures, and ensuring

300mm to 500mm allows the robot

the safety of the infrastructure, the

to maintain elevation and navigate

people responsible for its mainte-

and minimise its profile when

The development of a robot and

This technology offers a much safer

• Monitoring and predictive

Robot Operating System (ROS) acts

through moderately flowing culverts

Looking to the Future

nologies is promising for AI and asset

module, enabling navigation and Pi companion computer running

maintenance.

surveyors and engineers to assign

The impact of using a robot has

accumulating millions of accurate

asset designs, management and

nance, and the public that use it.

• Resilient design – with enhanced

operating in environments where

data capture, a robot allows

this isn’t much head room, such as

for smarter decision making in

ment, providing more accurate and highly visual data, giving asset managers a reliable foundation to assess asset conditions and make informed decisions on repairs or replacements.

•

Want to see PIPE-i in action?

Watch the full video here.

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 35

SPATIAL PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NEW PANEL MEMBERS

This month’s GeoMessage spoke with the three newly-elected AHSCP Panel members on the internationally recognised Australasian Hydrographic Surveyors Certification Panel (AHSCP) for 2024-2026 to learn more about them and why they chose to nominate for this rigorous role. They join existing Panel members GCA members Barry Smith (Hydrography for Coastal Zone Management) and Neil Hewitt (Private Practice), and Chair Commodore Robyn Phillips (Hydrographer of Australia).

NEVILLE BENSON (GCA)

Hydrographic Surveyor in 2020. I am

Why did you choose to nominate

the General Manager at BlueSpatial

for the AHSCP Panel?

Australia.

I wanted to give back to the

AHSCP Education representative, 2024-2026

Why is Professional Hydrographic

the next generation achieve their

Surveying Certification important?

goals, and allow them greater

We are at a crucial point where the

opportunities which come with

number of surveyors can’t keep up

certification.

with the demand for our expertise,

My volunteer role with Curtin

and whilst the demand is great for

University (Western Australia)

growth of our industry, we need

allows me to get a perspective of

to ensure that going forward we

the students of today and a better

continue to hold a high standard to

understanding of the issues faced

the professionals getting certified.

with regards to the education in

These standards are critical in con-

surveying here in Australia.

tinuing to provide confidence to the

I’m looking forward to working

industry and be involved in helping

clients who use hydrographic survey

alongside well regarded industry

hat are your qualifications

services for a multitude of reasons,

figures and promoting the impor-

and current role?

from safety of navigation down

tance of hydrographic certification

I hold a Bachelor of

to quality of data for engineering

to continue the great work done by

design and environmental purposes.

the Panel over the last 30 years.

W

Surveying from Curtin University, and became an AHSCP Certified Level 1

36 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

KATHERINE BUTCHER (GCA) Re-elected AHSCP Industrial Offshore Surveying Representative, 2022-2026

W

hat are your qualifications and current role?

I hold a Category A (PG

Why is hydrographic certification important?

The requirement for surveys to be certified by a Level 1 Surveyor is increasing in the region, and we also see it starting to extend out of the traditional nearshore/ports and harbours environments.

What are you looking forward to by being on the Panel again?

industry and on the Panel.

It was a complete pleasure to serve

I am also looking forward to the

with [outgoing Panel members] Ian

completion of the current IBSC review

Phillips and Dean Battilana over the

of the S5 suite of Competency Stan-

past few years and I am sad that they

dards for Hydrographic Surveyors.

are unable to continue, but I do look

Once the AHSCP Guidelines have been

forward to Rhys and Neville coming

updated, including the definition of

on board. I think it is great that the

Recognition of Prior Learning and

Panel comprises people with diverse

how it can be applied, this should

survey backgrounds and a variety

ultimately bring improved clarity to

of years’ experience, both in the

those applying for certification.

RHYS DAVIES (S+SNZ)

Category B Hydrographic Surveying,

able to provide help to industry

which I obtained during my service

professionals seeking certification in

with the Royal New Zealand Navy. I

the future, especially to those in NZ.

became an AHSCP Level 1 Certified

On a personal level, it’s also a great

AHSCP Nautical Charting Hydrography representative, 2024-2026

Hydrographic Surveyor in 2020.

way of giving back to the profession,

My current role is Technology and

especially to those who have taken

Transition Manager for Ocean Infinity

the time to mentor me through my

(Australia).

career. I am excited to be a part of the

Diploma Hydrographic Surveying from the University of Plymouth, UK) and a BSc Double Honours (Physical Geography and Geology) from the University of Durham, UK. In 2021, I gained Level 1 AHSCP Certification as a Hydrographic Surveyor, and am a freelance Survey Consultant and Acoustic Imaging QPS Sales and Marketing.

process, learn new things, and meet Why is hydrographic certification

new people (even if it is through

important?

their portfolios rather than in

Certification is significant to me

person). Being a part of the process, I

since it combines education and

am also excited to watch and engage

experience in our sector to achieve a

with the larger hydro community

globally recognized level of com-

about the certification process.

petence. On another level, it creates a sense of obligation to continually

Anyone considering representing

reach or surpass high standards,

the highly varied and technolog-

which I believe is the reason we now

ically advanced realm of hydro-

W

have such a rich pool of talent.

graphic surveying on the AHSCP Panel in the future - and would like

hat are your qualifications and current role?

Why did you choose to nominate

to find out more of what it entails

I hold a Post Graduate

for the AHSCP Panel?

- is encouraged to get in touch with

Diploma (Distinction) from the

To gain a better understanding

the Panel (ahs.cp@defence.gov.au).

University of Plymouth, UK and a

the complete process to be more

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 37

Celebrating

DR. MICK STRACK NEWEST FELLOW OF S+SNZ

A

heartfelt Congratulations to Dr. Michael (Mick) Strack on being awarded Fellowship of Survey and Spatial NZ (S+SNZ) at the recent AGM held during the 2024 Conference in Napier.

Mick has dedicated over 30 years of exceptional service to S+SNZ and the surveying profession

in Aotearoa New Zealand. Based at Te Kura Kairūri | the National School of Surveying at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | the University of Otago, he has been a vital resource on Aotearoa New Zealand Land Law, guiding both students and practitioners throughout his career.

An active member of S+SNZ, Mick has served on the executive committee of the Coastal Otago Branch, most recently as Communications Officer, and has played a key role on the organising committee for the S+SNZ conferences in Ōtepoti | Dunedin in 2013 and 2023. His contributions have been recognised with two Fulton Bequests: Class A.1 for outstanding service to S+SNZ and the surveying profession, and Class A2 for a paper of exceptional merit on a relevant professional topic.

Mick’s impact on the profession is profound. He has taught,

Dr. Mick Strack being congratulated by his former colleague and friend, Richard Hemi

mentored, and supported over 1400 graduates in land law, land tenure, resource management, and research supervision. His curriculum addresses critical issues such as mātaranga Māori, te reo, Māori land issues, sustainable land use, and rights related to water, rivers, and the sea. Many of today’s practicing consultants in S+SNZ credit their foundational knowledge of land tenure to Mick’s insightful teaching.

Once again, congratulations to Dr. Mick Strack on this well-deserved honour!

38 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

• LEGAL COLUMN

Title Defects Holding Back Property Development Stephanie Harris Glaister Ennor Hope Horrocks

T

itle defects in property own-

properties that were subdivided in

ments and documentation required to

ership are akin to the dormant

the early 1900s when precise survey-

define the property’s boundaries.

volcanoes scattered across New

ing methods were less common. The

This is because once those

Zealand's landscapes – silent, unas-

result is a title that does not accurate-

boundaries are defined, consent for

suming and often unnoticed until

ly define the property’s boundaries,

the new boundaries is required from

they unexpectedly disrupt carefully

leaving room for potential disputes

all adjoining property owners. If any

laid plans. For property owners in

and complications.

adjoining owner objects, they have

New Zealand, these hidden issues can

Limited as to Parcels presents

21 working days to do so, but they

become significant obstacles when

several challenges for lawyers. If a

can only object on limited grounds.

it comes to re-mortgaging, selling or

structure has already been built close

It is only at that point we can start

developing property. As surveyors and

to the boundary, it may encroach on

the process of obtaining the Land

as lawyers we each need to under-

a neighbouring property. This can

Transfer (LT) Plan from the surveyor

stand these defects and how to ad-

lead to legal disputes, particularly

for certification by the relevant

dress them, as it is crucial for ensuring

if the encroachment was not previ-

authority. After that point there

that our clients can proceed smoothly

ously identified. Additionally, when

remains the key survey lodgement

with their property transactions and

planning new construction near

process, to regularise the surveyed

developments.

the boundary, local councils may

boundaries and achieve the removal

We at Glaister Ennor have detailed

require a new survey to clearly define

of the limitation. This assumes no

in this article four significant title

the property lines before granting

adverse possession claims arise and

defects we encounter and provide our

building consent. This can impact on

no other objections are made to the

legal perspective on their resolution.

what is permitted to be constructed

Registrar-General of Lands pursuant

These are Limited as to Parcels,

and where, given boundary set-back

to the Land Transfer Act 2017.

paper roads, redundant interests

requirements and other planning

and occasionally Deeds Land. Each of

issues. This can be a time-consuming

these issues poses unique challenges

and costly process, meaning it is es-

Paper Roads: The Hidden Barriers to Development

that can impede property owners’

sential to have boundaries accurately

Another common issue (particularly

plans, but with the right knowledge

established by surveyors.

in rural New Zealand) is the presence

and expertise, they can be effectively

Moreover, if a property owner

of paper roads. These are unformed

managed and resolved.

wishes to subdivide their land and/

but legal roads that were designated

Limited as to Parcels: Navigating Uncertain Boundaries

or create unit titles or cross-lease

by local authorities to ensure public

titles, the removal of the Limited as to

access during the early stages of land

Parcels limitation is mandatory. This

development. These roads are often

requires a detailed survey and legal

remnants from historical planning,

The term ‘Limited as to Parcels’ refers

processes to remove the limitation

where pathways were allocated on

to a situation where a property’s

from the title. As a surveyor, your role

paper for future development but

boundaries are not guaranteed by

in this process is critical, as you will

never actually built. Although they are

the title. This issue typically arises in

need to provide the precise measure-

marked on survey plans, they were

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 39

“Paper roads, though never constructed, have the same legal status as public roads, often disrupting property development. These unmarked paths can complicate building plans, requiring a legal process called 'road stopping' to resolve. Surveyors are essential in identifying paper roads and guiding property owners through this complex process to ensure smooth development.” never actually constructed (hence

is completed and the road stopping

are interests that are outdated or

the name paper road’), and can raise

process is approved, the land can be

irrelevant encumbrances, easements

significant legal problems in under-

transferred to the property owner,

or other registered interests that no

taking further development.

allowing development to proceed.

longer serve a purpose but remain

Further, despite their lack of

Equally developers who wish to

recorded on the title. These interests

physical formation, paper roads have

rely on paper roads frequently require

can cause a title to be defective, as

the same legal status as any other

a surveyor’s expertise and guidance

they may complicate ownership,

road, meaning the public has the

as to the location and dimensions of

hinder property transactions or create

right to pass without obstruction.

such paper roads so as to ensure it

uncertainty for buyers and lenders.

Unfortunately, they may be difficult to

aligns with their development plans

identify on the ground as they often

and meets all current roading and

easements, obsolete covenants, or

blend with private land and are not

other planning obligations. This is

unresolved mortgage entries. To

always marked on maps. It is also not

because, while they are legal roads,

maintain a clean and accurate title,

uncommon to find that some paper

paper roads’ unformed nature means

which can be further developed

roads may not be suitable for use due

they may not be suitable for all types

without being circumscribed by

to topography or other conditions.

Examples include expired

of use. Care must be taken when

registered controls, it is essential to

The existence of a paper road

considering the rights of the property

identify and remove these redundant

on a property can be a significant

owner, adjoining landowners, as well

interests through appropriate legal

impediment to development. Even if

as local council or territorial authority,

processes, ensuring the property is

the property owner holds a title that

to understand any particular condi-

free from unnecessary encumbrances

completely surrounds the paper road,

tions or restrictions that may apply to

and is fully able to be utilised to its

they cannot build on it without ad-

the use of the relevant paper roads.

current potential. In some cases, to

dressing the legal status of the road.

As a surveyor, your expertise is in-

remove these interests, a new survey

Local authorities retain ownership

valuable in identifying the presence of

of the land on which the paper road

paper roads on a property and guiding

In New Zealand, removing redun-

sits, treating it as an asset. This can be

clients through the road-stopping pro-

dant interests in dispute on a title can

particularly frustrating for property

cess or the potential use of the road as

be approached through several legal

owners who have no intention of

a physical access. Your knowledge of

avenues. The Land Transfer Act 2017

using the road or who may not have

local authority regulations and your

provides a mechanism for the removal

even known it existed.

ability to provide accurate land surveys

of such interests, which allows the

ensure that your clients can navigate

Registrar-General of Land to remove

owners must apply for a process

this complex process.

a redundant or expired easement

known as ‘road stopping’. This

from the Land Register under specific

typically requires a valuation of the

Redundant Interests on Title: Addressing Defects and Enhancing Development Value

land, for which the property owner

The most common defect we see on

2007 empowers the court to modify

is responsible. Once the valuation

a title are redundant interests. These

or extinguish easements or land cove-

To overcome this issue, property

involves changing the status of the paper road so that it is no longer considered a public road. The process

40 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

plan may need to be undertaken.

circumstances, such as the expiration of time or an event that extinguishes the easement.

Additionally, the Property Law Act

nants if it is justified by changes in the

are critical to clients and frequently

use or character of the land, or other

require comprehensive guidance from

relevant circumstances. It's important

surveyors.

to note that the process involves

boundary adjustments.

In addition, our experience with Deeds Land is that it often involves other legal complexities such as

may take some time. In cases where

Deeds Land: The Challenge of Unregistered Property

a consensus among affected parties

‘Deeds Land’ refers to land that has

process in tandem with the Deeds

is not feasible, court intervention

not been brought under the Torrens

Land process and defunct registered

may be necessary, and the court has

system, New Zealand’s system of land

proprietors, meaning it can be very

the discretion to require reasonable

registration. As a result, there is no

difficult to perfect transfers and the

compensation to be paid to affected

guaranteed title available, and the

like. For surveyors, working with

owners if the covenant is modified or

property is not officially registered on

Deeds Land requires a high level of

extinguished.

the Land Registry. As with the above

precision and attention to detail to

notifying all affected parties and

adverse possession issues, which has its own specific guidelines and

However recent court decisions (in-

defects, this defect most commonly

conduct thorough surveys to establish

cluding Supreme Court decisions) have

occurs with undeveloped rural land

clear boundaries and work closely

highlighted the complexities involved

and is increasingly rare.

with legal professionals to ensure

in such cases, particularly where the

This lack of registration presents

that the property is successfully

issue is around what is deemed to be

a significant problem for property

brought under the Torrens system.

outdated title interests (rather than

owners, particularly when it comes

extinguished), usually due to zoning

to securing financing. To resolve this

changes or changes in the surrounding

issue, property owners must apply to

Summary Regarding Title Defects

land use, such as industrial activities.

bring the Deeds Land onto the Land

Title defects can be a significant

However, this success often comes

Registry. This complex legal process is

roadblock for property owners, but

after a lengthy and costly legal

dictated by the Land Transfer Act 2017

with yours and our expertise, these

process, emphasising the court's

and involves providing a comprehen-

issues can be resolved. By identifying

cautious approach towards altering

sive land survey that clearly defines

and understanding title defects that

established interests on land titles.

the property’s boundaries. The survey

can affect a title you can provide the

The High Court's judgments reflect a

must meet the standards set by the

appropriate advice and support to

balance between the protection of

Land Registry to ensure that the

your clients.

existing rights and the recognition of

property is accurately represented

evolving land use, ensuring that any

and can be properly registered.

or have questions about how to

modifications to land covenants are

This is usually very complex and

address them, don't hesitate to reach

carefully considered and justified.

involves surveyors having to search

out to our experts who can provide

Given that title interests are essential

If you encounter any of these issues

the land for any useful control marks

the necessary legal assistance. Your

for understanding the legal rights

and boundary monumentation on

proactive approach will help your

and restrictions associated with a

existing survey positions so as to be

clients avoid costly delays and ensure

property, the specific interests detailed

able to establish new traverse layouts

that their property transactions and

and identified on a land transfer plan

for reference and derive correct

developments proceed smoothly.

ARTEC 3D Scanners

•

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SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 41

• NEWS

Archie Finds His Way Back to the Family

A

portrait of Archie Bogle, first

Archie Bogle

commissioned in the early 1960s, has found its final

resting place back with his family.

The portrait now takes pride of place in his great granddaughter’s home in Mt Albert, Auckland, and is revered by his family.

The painting spent many years at

the School of Surveying in Dunedin and was returned to S+SNZ offices in Wellington when the school ran out of wall space. With no space available for the painting in Wellington, the painting was put into secure storage until Archie’s family contacted S+SNZ in 2015.

This initial contact fell through, however subsequent contact five years later by another family member led to the painting being returned to the family where it is now on display and will continue to be admired and treasured by the family in the future and for many generations.

The painting is available to S+SNZ National Office if required and an art-quality digital scan was done to ensure availability to all members.

Interest in Archie Bogle has been riding high with the launch of a new book – one of many – about his surveying career. What is not so well known is that Archie and his brothers were honoured by having a street named after the family in his home town of Waipukurau.

Three of Archie’s younger brothers, George, Gilbert and Gordon, served in World War I in the New Zealand, Canada and Australia armies and all three were killed in successive autumns from 1915

Engineers in the Pacific (mainly

between Waipukurau and Napier.

to 1917. Archie also served during

Tonga) during WWII.

To honour the brothers, the street

WWI as a lieutenant in the New

Their father, James Bogle, was the

Zealand Expeditionary Force and

stationmaster at Waipukurau for 36

renamed Bogle Brothers Esplanade

was a captain of the New Zealand

years, helping build the railway line

on Armistice Day in 2017.

42 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

named Railway Esplanade was

•

• UNI HAPPENINGS

A tertiary focus on the 'Heartland'

By Richard Hemi

Is this rural New Zealand, provincial

In terms of teaching concepts

New Zealand, or something different?

around the challenges of climate

The competition between tertiary

change and disaster recovery this has

institutions for school leavers can

and will continue to affect all parts of

be intense so, from the School of

this country, as has been seen in recent

Surveying’s perspective, we may look

times from the East Coast to inner city

at it from the point of view of those

Auckland.

areas, towns or cities that do not have another university.

These topics are considered in teaching across a range of subjects

If a student in these locations

within the courses here at the School,

intends to take a university course

and this also reflects the university’s

they will have to travel. From these

graduate competency framework.

areas, we do very well. Very broadly

As an example, the first year paper

over the past 10 years we have

SURV130 – People, Place and the Built

enrolled approximately 60% of our

Environment includes as one of its

intake from these places, i.e. not the

learning objectives an ability “to iden-

T

main university cities of Aotearoa.

tify the main elements of sustainability

he recent S+SNZ Conference

According to my calculations, these

and the science of climate change.”

adopted the theme of ‘Looking

cities represent about 51% of the NZ

On a different note, the School of

Ahead in the Heartland’. As the

population.

website states, this refers, not just to

I doubt this is much of a surprise giv-

two new members of staff who have

the optimism and resilience of provin-

en that the practical, and land-focused,

recently taken up some vacant teach-

cial New Zealand, but also provides an

nature of surveying will likely attract

ing roles. With the recent retirement of

opportunity to discuss approaches to

more rural-based students than urban

Dr Mick Strack, and also the loss of Dr

the challenges of climate change and

ones. But for a well-balanced industry,

James Berghan to Victoria University,

disaster recovery around the country.

and with the need for practitioners to

two important roles in planning and

In light of this theme, it is worth

be able to plan well designed, higher

urban design needed to be filled.

reflecting on how our National School

density urban environments, we also

Brae Ihaka Wingate (Ngai Te Rangi)

of Surveying serves our ‘heartland’

need surveyors who have grown up in

has joined the School from the Univer-

areas of Aotearoa New Zealand,

Surveying is very happy to introduce

these kind of neighbourhoods.

sity of Auckland where she obtained

and how students from these areas

Equally interesting might be a

a Master’s Degree in Architecture and

influence the make-up of the School.

measure of enrolments against

Urban Planning. She has taught within

population numbers across different

the School of Architecture and Plan-

sion are very conscious of student

parts of the motu. Auckland represents

ning there, as well as had professional

numbers and the need to maintain,

approximately 33% of the country’s

work experience across the public

or better still, increase the number of

population, but, on average, we attract

and private sector in Auckland. She is

graduates. The funding of tertiary ed-

only 20% of our students from the city.

a doctoral candidate in urban design

Ideally this would be higher and

and expects to complete her thesis in

The School, university and profes-

ucation has put pressure on a number of universities, and the budget deficits

may reflect the competition for

of Otago and others has been in the

like-minded students with Auckland

Riki Cambridge is a licensed cadas-

spotlight over the last year.

University’s engineering school, or

tral surveyor and has taken up a role as

the near future.

It is particularly important for the

a reluctance that some students and

a Professional Practice Fellow. He has

School to keep its numbers positive

their families may have to study so far

worked in private practice for over 12

not only to address industry demand,

away from home. This is entirely offset

years in Christchurch and comes with

but also to maintain a positive

by the skew of local Dunedin, Otago

a wide range of experience across

financial position. In light of this, it is

and Southland students that enrol in

survey measurement, cadastral and

worthwhile reflecting on the number

surveying courses at Otago – almost

urban development. The School is

of students who come into surveying

25% of students on average compared

very pleased to welcome these two

and spatial studies from what we

with the 7% population figure for

lecturers into the teaching whānau.

might classify as ‘heartland’ areas.

those areas.

Nau mai, haere mai e hoa ma.

•

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 43

• OBITUARY

MATTHEW ALLEN POITO OAKES

1953 -2023

1953 Born and Raised in Ōpōtiki: Matt Oakes was born and raised in Ōpōtiki.

1971 Started a maths degree at the University of Waikato, where he met Mary Jane.

1976 Joined the Department of Lands and Survey after his wife attended the interview on his behalf.

LATE 1970'S Completed a survey technician course in Wellington, then moved to Wisconsin, USA, to work as a chainman.

EARLY 1980'S Returned to New Zealand, worked for the Department of Lands and Survey (DOSLI) in Auckland.

1985-1987 Studied Measurement Science at the University of Otago, completing both his Bachelor of Surveying and his unfinished maths degree.

1997 Moved to Arkles Bay and joined A.I. Bates & Associates.

2002 Founded Arkles Bay Surveying Ltd, allowing for flexible travel to the US.

2023 Passed away in June, remembered for his kindness and dedication to family, friends, and surveying.

44 SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024

F

amily, friends and survey colleagues were deeply saddened by the passing of Matthew Oakes

in June last year. Matt is remembered by all as a warm and fun-loving sur-

vey colleague and friend.

Matt was born, raised and schooled in Ōpōtiki. In 1971, he started a maths degree at the University of Waikato, where he met his future wife, Mary Jane.

Early in 1976 he saw an advert for a chainman with the Department of Lands and Survey and he applied as he had always wanted to be a surveyor. As he couldn’t get time off work to attend the interview, his wife, Mary Jane, attended instead. Despite this unusual

resumed his work with DOSLI. In

At Survey School, Matt was an

strategy, the interview went well and

1997 they moved to Arkles Bay on

older student. Having spent most

Don Swift not only gave Matt the job,

the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and

of his 20s working in surveying and

but also took him under his wing.

Matt started work at A.I. Bates &

having previously studied maths,

Associates, on the North Shore. In

he was initially well ahead of

old bach-house in Beach Haven on

2002, he started his own business,

many in his class. He viewed this

Auckland's North Shore and while at

Arkles Bay Surveying Ltd, which gave

advantage as an opportunity to help

Lands and Survey, Matt completed a

Matt and Mary Jane the flexibility to

his classmates and for many he was

survey technician course in Welling-

continue to travel regularly to the US

an informal tutor. Matt continued

ton. Two years later they returned to

to work and visit family and friends.

to study hard and remained one

The young couple moved to a little

Mary Jane's home town in Wisconsin,

Matt loved all sports, but he

of the top students in the class.

where Matt worked as a chainman for

showed a real commitment to rugby

His dissertation on the analysis of

Sarko & Associates, a local survey firm.

and tennis, and later in life to golf. He

different resection methods was

played rugby for the Massey Rugby

highly regarded and received a

decision was made to return to New

Club Maulers and coached junior

deserving A grade.

Zealand and they moved to West

rugby for the club, as well as coaching

Harbour, in Auckland. Matt returned

and playing tennis for Massey and

with an active social life and he

to work at Lands and Survey, which

Belvedere for many years. His first

continued a proud surveying

had been renamed the Department of

visit to the US saw him playing rugby

student history at his final year

Survey and Land Information (DOSLI).

for the Wisconsin Rugby Club, where

flat – 61 Clyde Street – well known

In 1985, DOSLI encouraged Matt

After three years in the US, a

He balanced this hard work

he created lifelong friendships, which

by all as the location of surveying

to do a two-year course in Mea-

ensured that Wisconsin became a

student events. Matt ensured those

surement Science at the University

"must visit and play rugby" destina-

traditions continued.

of Otago, Dunedin. Mary Jane and

tion throughout the years to come.

Matt was a real family man. He

their sons initially remained in West

Starting his own business gave

and Mary Jane were married for 49

Harbour, but then spent the second

him more control of his time and he

years and they had three sons and

year in the US. While at Otago, Matt

began playing golf at the nearby

two grandsons, who he was very

changed his surveying course to a

Whangaparaoa Golf Club. As well as

proud of. He was the friendliest,

full Bachelor of Surveying degree,

playing, Matt was also a passionate

nicest guy who went out of his

and also during this time, complet-

sports fan and he could often

way to help others. These qualities

ed his unfinished maths degree.

be found watching the tennis at

certainly endeared him to all that

After graduating, the family

Stanley Street in Auckland over the

knew him. He was loved by all and

Christmas holidays.

will be greatly missed.

returned to West Harbour and Matt

•

SURVEYING+SPATIAL • Issue 117 Spring Edition 2024 45