Remembering Fraser Walsh

It is with sadness that we recently observed the passing of our colleague and friend, Fraser Walsh. Fraser was Director and founder of Ground Consulting Limited, a Geotechnical Engineering consultancy based in Pukekohe.

We have been working closely with Fraser and his team over the last 2 decades on a multitude of land developments which required specialist Geotechnical Engineering reports, in order to establish suitable building platforms for new housing projects. We have also worked closely with Fraser on developments which required specific designs for stormwater management and effluent disposal systems.

The Abbotsford landslide in 1979 which caused the destruction or relocation of some 70 houses, and the evacuation of 600 people, was a direct consequence of housing being built on unstable land. In the years that followed, Geotechnical reports for land subdivision gained prominence in the Franklin District. Land intensification soared in the District and Councils minimized their risks and liability, by transferring the responsibility of proving land stability onto developers.

These events created an increasing demand for Geotechnical Engineers in the District, and many local authorities required Geotechnical reports for almost all new urbans sites.

Fraser was an experienced and professional Geotechnical Engineer who worked constructively with other land development professionals and clients, and was always a pleasure to work with. He will be sadly missed and our sympathies go out to his family and colleagues.