Why GWE for Geotechnical
Clarity in complexity
risk-led investigations and calibrated ground models that inform design decisions.
De-risked by design
due diligence → investigation → analysis → design → monitoring, delivered as one integrated workflow.
Follow-through to sign-off
construction monitoring, completion reports and council documentation for code compliance.
Powered by LIFT
we Listen, Innovate, Follow Through and Team Up to deliver resilient, future-ready outcomes.
What we do
Our engineers plan and undertake site investigations that provide the design information to develop a range of solutions for complex geotechnical conditions that affect land development projects including slope stability, liquefaction, foundations, ground support systems and groundwater control. We provide our clients with the following services.
Due diligence & pre-purchase
Early due diligence services assist clients in understanding the risk (geology, foundation conditions, soakage, infrastructure constraints) to inform site selection and acquisition decisions from single dwelling to multi lot subdivision. On a property where new construction is planned, an in-depth look at site geology and geotechnical conditions is of critical importance. Deliverables can scale into comprehensive geotechnical reports post-purchase.
Site inspection
Review of the NZ geotechnical database and other data sets
Phase 1 sub-surface investigation, if required
Foundation conditions and types
Infrastructure assessment reporting
Assessment of ground soakage conditions
Site investigations
Full range of site investigation services to inform our geotechnical analyses and design work. Soil and rock samples are analysed on site or tested in the laboratory, and the results are interpreted by our teams of engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers. The results are assessed against observations made on site to provide accurate and meaningful data for subsequent phases of the project.
Logging of machine drilled and hand augured boreholes
Logging of machine excavated test pits
Geomorphologic mapping and 3D modelling
Shear vane testing
Scala and cone penetrometer testing
Clegg hammer testing
Groundwater monitoring
Geotechnical analysis
Working with the findings from our site investigation work we use the latest software to develop geotechnical models which are calibrated with our observations in the field. We use these models to analyse existing site conditions and model development scenarios to provide engineering data for the geotechnical design of your project. Our modelling work extends to:
Groundwater assessments
Seismic analysis
Settlement, liquefaction and lateral spread analysis
Slope stability analysis
Soil-structure interaction analysis
Geotechnical design
Our geotechnical design team has extensive experience in the conceptual and detailed design phases of small residential projects through to large scale infrastructure and land development projects. The design phase of each project is informed by the engineering data outputs from our geotechnical analyses work to produce cost-effective designs which include:
Foundation systems
Earth and water retaining structures
Embankments
Earthworks and reclamations
Road pavements
On-site wastewater disposal
Construction monitoring & inspections
We provide construction monitoring and reporting services on building and land development projects to ensure the intent of the design work is being followed during the construction phase. As the project nears completion, we prepare a draft completion report that enables other engineering disciplines to complete their work. At the conclusion of the project, we finalise our reporting so you can obtain code compliance and sign off from the local council. Work we undertake includes:
Earthworks monitoring and certification
Scala Penetrometer and Nuclear Densometer testing
Retaining wall inspections
Subgrade inspections
Earthworks completion reports
Note: We scope investigations to match risks, uncertainties and budgets, and work with specialist drilling/CPT subcontractors when required.
Hilux-Mounted Ground Master Drill Rig
Engineered for access, speed and precision. Our Hilux-mounted rig delivers reliable borehole drilling without costly commercial plant, accelerating programmes and lowering investigation costs from residential sites to large industrial developments.
Faster, cost-effective investigations
avoids slow hand-auger work.
Better samples, better decisions
continuous flight augers for undisturbed samples and dependable soil profiling.
QA you can trust
logs and samples reviewed by senior geotechnical staff; work aligned with NZGS Field Description of Soil & Rock standards.
Access almost anywhere
goes wherever a standard 4WD can, ideal for difficult terrain.
Versatile applications
prelim liquefaction screening, foundation data, stormwater soakage testing and temporary groundwater wells.
Proven in the field
supported thousands of investigations over 20+ years across central New Zealand, delivering the speed and data quality our designers and clients rely on.
Learn more: Ground Master Geotechnical Drill
Why Choose GWE
Rigorous from the ground up
due diligence and investigations built on precision and clarity.
Technical depth & de-risked design
expert analysis and modelling deliver confidence at every stage.
Accountable at every step
we own outcomes from first borehole to final sign-off.
Built for tomorrow
How we work (LIFT)
L
Listen
we start with a deep understanding of site conditions and client objectives, tailoring every investigation to actual ground realities and risks, budgets, and regulatory needs.
I
Innovate
from our advanced geotechnical modelling to our Hilux-mounted drill rig, we apply innovative methods that deliver dependable data faster and more cost-effectively.
F
Follow Through
our responsibility doesn’t stop at investigation. We deliver robust reporting, council-ready documentation and construction monitoring that ensure designs are implemented and sign-off is achieved.
T
Team Up
our geologists, engineers, and drilling crews work in sync with planners, architects and contractors, ensuring field data flows seamlessly into practical, buildable designs.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Do I need a geotechnical report before design?
Most Projects benefit from an early investigation so foundations, earthworks and drainage are designed on real ground conditions. Our due diligence can scale into a full Geotech report.
Can you provide monitoring and certification for council sign-off?
Yes, we provide earthworks monitoring, testing and completion reports to support code compliance and final sign-off.