Core Engineering delivers geotechnical, structural and civil engineering across Kerikeri, Paihia, the Bay of Islands and the wider Far North. One multi-discipline team — coordinated, cost-effective, experienced in Far North conditions.
Get an Obligation-Free QuoteCore Engineering delivers geotechnical, structural and civil engineering services to Kerikeri, the Bay of Islands and the broader Far North District. Whether you are building a new home, developing a lifestyle block, subdividing rural land or need a commercial development consented, our Whangarei-based team has the depth of expertise and local knowledge to get your project through.
The Bay of Islands and Far North present some of Northland's most varied engineering conditions. Volcanic basalt soils dominate around Kerikeri, giving way to softer alluvial deposits near Paihia and Russell, clay-dominated hillsides throughout Kaikohe and the Hokianga, and sandy coastal soils at many waterfront sites. High annual rainfall means slope stability is a genuine consideration on a large proportion of Far North builds. We understand these conditions in detail and tailor every investigation to the site, not a template.
We are registered with Engineering New Zealand and are familiar with Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council consenting requirements. Core Engineering's multi-discipline structure means your geotechnical report, structural design and civil documentation are produced by one coordinated team — reducing cost, eliminating delays between consultants and giving you a single point of contact from first inquiry to PS4 sign-off.
Site investigations, soil testing, CPT, foundation recommendations and slope assessments for local ground conditions.
Learn more →Structural design for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. PS1 and PS4 Producer Statements, construction inspections.
Learn more →Subdivision, earthworks, roading and drainage design integrated with geotechnical for complete project delivery.
Learn more →New homes, alterations, decks and residential structures. We work alongside architects, designers and builders.
Learn more →Wastewater design to AS/NZS1547 and TP58 for properties beyond the reticulated network.
Learn more →Site-specific stormwater reports meeting council requirements for attenuation, detention and dispersal.
Learn more →Timber pole, crib, reinforced concrete and MSE wall design with coordinated geotech and structural expertise.
Learn more →Slope stability modelling with Factors of Safety for existing and proposed conditions including seismic scenarios.
Learn more →ISA and DSA seismic assessments with %NBS ratings for council and bank requirements.
Learn more →Geotechnical and structural construction review at key stages. PS4 issued on completion for your CCC.
Learn more →Founded in Whangarei in 2020 by David Leslie, Core Engineering Solutions Limited was built around a simple idea: bring genuinely qualified, multi-discipline engineers under one roof and deliver real value to every client — not just a report, but a solution.
Our engineers hold Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status — the highest professional credential in New Zealand engineering. You get qualified expertise, not junior sign-offs.
Our engineering team brings over 30 years of combined experience across civil, structural and geotechnical disciplines — spanning residential, commercial, infrastructure and rural projects throughout Northland.
Civil, structural and geotechnical under one roof. No coordinating between firms, no conflicting reports — your project is handled start to finish by a team that works together.
We focus on practical solutions that work for your project and your budget — not over-engineered complexity. Clear communication, straightforward advice, and documentation that gets your consent through.
Based in Whangarei with a Waipu office, we are a genuinely local firm — we know Northland ground conditions, councils and communities from the ground up.
Yes. Core Engineering carries out geotechnical site investigations, foundation assessments, slope stability analyses and ground hazard reports across Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell, Kawakawa, Kaikohe and the wider Bay of Islands. We are familiar with Far North District Council consenting requirements and the specific geological conditions of the Bay of Islands region, including volcanic soils, kaolin-rich clays and the high-rainfall slope stability considerations common in the Far North.
The Kerikeri area sits on a basalt volcanic plateau, giving rise to deep, well-structured red volcanic soils in many locations. These soils generally have good bearing capacity but can be highly plastic when wet. Hillside sites around Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands often require slope stability assessment due to high annual rainfall and the presence of clay-rich sub-soils. Coastal and low-lying areas near Paihia and Russell can have softer alluvial and estuarine materials requiring careful foundation design. Core Engineering's site investigations are tailored to local conditions rather than generic approaches.
Building and resource consents in Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands are handled by Far North District Council (FNDC). For works near waterways, coastal margins or involving significant earthworks, Northland Regional Council (NRC) may also be involved. Core Engineering is familiar with both councils' documentation requirements and produces engineering reports that meet their specific standards for building consent and resource consent applications.
Yes — and this is a significant advantage of working with Core Engineering. Our geotechnical and structural engineers work in the same team, so site investigation findings feed directly into your structural design. There is no gap between consultants, no miscommunication about soil parameters, and no waiting for one report before the other can start. For clients in Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands, this typically means faster consent, lower combined fees and a better-coordinated final result.
Yes. Many properties in the Far North — including lifestyle blocks, rural residential sections and coastal sites — require on-site wastewater treatment and disposal. Core Engineering designs systems to AS/NZS1547 and Far North District Council's TP58 requirements. Our process includes site evaluation, soil permeability testing, groundwater assessment and a complete wastewater report with design recommendations ready for council consent.
Yes. Core Engineering covers Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell, Kawakawa, Kaikohe, Okaihau, Waipapa, Mangonui and surrounding Far North communities. We also cover Kaitaia and the wider Far North District for larger projects. Our Whangarei-based team travels throughout Northland, and our experience across the Far North means we understand the local ground conditions and council processes specific to each area.
Talk to our team today. We cover geotechnical, structural and civil — one call, one team, one fee.
Contact Usinfo@coreeng.nz