Geotechnical Specialists

Powering The Infrastructure of Tomorrow

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Practical geotechnical solutions

At Groundwise, we provide practical geotechnical engineering and engineering geology advice that helps clients make informed decisions and keep projects moving. We focus on understanding the ground, identifying risks early, and delivering clear, straightforward recommendations that are proportionate to the project. Our approach combines sound technical assessment with real-world practicality, ensuring our advice is both robust and workable.

As a specialist geotechnical consultancy, we offer a level of service and that larger organisations often struggle to provide. When you engage us, you work directly with experienced professionals who remain actively involved throughout the project.

Based in New Plymouth, we are Taranaki geotechnical specialists but also have expertise across the North Island. We work across a diverse range of geological and development environments, from residential and commercial developments through to infrastructure and land stability projects. We understand the unique ground conditions, development challenges, and regulatory requirements of the region, and we take pride in providing trusted geotechnical advice that supports successful project outcomes.

Who We Are

Matt and James bring over 30 years of combined experience in engineering geology and geotechnical engineering. We help clients understand ground conditions, manage geotechnical risk, and make informed decisions through practical, reliable advice.

As a small consultancy, we provide a responsive and flexible service with direct access to the people undertaking your work. We are specialists delivering premium quality work. We believe in clear communication, prompt responses, and keeping you informed throughout every stage of your project.

James

James

Principal Engineering Geologist
BSc, MSc, PEngGeol, CMEngNZ

Matt

Matt

Senior Geotechnical Engineer
BE (Hons), CPEng, CMEngNZ

Our Services

Navigating complex volcanic soils and coastal environments with precision and confidence.

Ground Investigation, Mapping and Monitoring

  • Site walkover, geomorphology mapping, engineering geological mapping
  • Geotechnical investigation – hand auger borehole, DCP (Scala), E1 compliant soakage testing
  • Supervise and undertake machine borehole drilling, CPT, geophysics, test pitting
  • Groundwater investigation and monitoring
  • Slope movement monitoring
  • Settlement monitoring

Construction Monitoring

  • Onsite earthworks observation and testing
  • Provision of earthworks / geotechnical completion documentation
  • Statement of professional opinion
  • PS4 Construction Review

Geotechnical Analysis, Assessment and Reporting

  • Geotechnical due diligence and desktop assessment
  • Building Consent Assessment - residential, commercial, industrial
    • ‘Good ground’ assessment
    • Detailed Liquefaction and Lateral Spreading Assessment
    • Building and Earthworks Settlement Assessment
    • Foundation Assessment and recommendations
  • Resource Consent Assessments - residential / commercial / industrial
  • Geotechnical Natural Hazard Assessment (RMA S106, NPS-NH)
  • Onsite stormwater soakage suitability assessment
  • Slope stability analysis
  • Landslide and rock fall assessment and risk analysis
  • Insurance claim assessment
    • Private insurance
    • Natural Hazards Commission (NHC)
  • Qualified Assessed Risk Level (ARL) assessments for NZTA
  • Peer review services and provide PS2 Design Review
  • Regulatory Review for Territorial Authorities

Geotechnical Design

  • Provide design reports and PS1 Design
  • Retaining wall design (ie; timber pole retaining wall, steel pile retaining wall, anchored retaining wall, in-ground palisade wall)
  • Remedial design for failed retaining walls (ie; stabilise an existing wall)
  • Earthworks and ground improvement design
  • Earthworks specification
  • Landslide / rockfall remediation design
    • Rock anchor and mesh design
    • Soil nail design
    • Simple mesh drape design
    • Earthfill buttress design
    • Groundwater drainage design
  • On-site stormwater disposal design for residential dwellings
  • On-site wastewater disposal for residential dwellings

Our Work

Explore our recent projects to see how we deliver robust, site-specific geotechnical solutions across the region.

Proud Partnership Project Complated

Proud Partnership Project Complated

Groundwise is proud to celebrate the completion of our very first project following the launch of the company. Working with MARS Project Limited, we recently delivered a Preliminary Geotechnical Report to support the resource consent application for a proposed 10-lot rural-residential subdivision at 136 Warwick Road, Stratford. Our assessment included hand auger investigations, cone penetration testing (CPT), soakage testing, geological hazard assessment, liquefaction evaluation, and geotechnical recommendations to help guide the future development of the site. As a newly established consultancy, it is rewarding to begin our journey with a project that demonstrates the practical, outcomes-focused advice Groundwise aims to provide. We identified suitable development areas across the site, assessed geotechnical and natural hazard risks, and provided clear recommendations for foundations, stormwater management, and future subdivision works. We thank MARS Project Limited for placing their trust in Groundwise and look forward to supporting many more successful projects across Taranaki and New Zealand.

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Get In Touch

Ready to start your next project with absolute confidence? Reach out to us below or contact our team directly.

Email Us

Matt: matt@groundwise.co.nz

James: james@groundwise.co.nz

Call Us

Matt: 027 370 2313

James: 027 558 3617

Business Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Service Area

Taranaki, Manawatu-Wanganui, Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland, Northland

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