Hawke's Bay District Staff

Brian Foote

Director Registered Professional Surveyor MNZIS, MCSNZ

Brian grew up in the Hawke's Bay and always wanted to return, so when the opportunity came to expand The Surveying Company into the Hawke's Bay in 1999 he jumped on it. Brian relocated himself to the Hawke's Bay in 2003 to personally oversee the office and enjoy the lifestyle on offer here.

Early in his surveying career Brian worked in the many locations overseas including the UK and Saudi Arabia assisting in the establishment of their oil industry in the 1970's. He returned to New Zealand and worked for a number of smaller surveying companies before eventually settling in the Pukekohe region. It was here that he and his business partner John Gasson came to the realization that there must be a better way to run a surveying company. The common factor that appeared to be missing was "consistent high quality of service". Together they established "The Surveying Company" with the purpose of delivering this and now Brian applies his 30 plus years of professional experience to bringing this to the Hawke's Bay.

Seamus (Brian) Daly

Regional Manager Registered Professional Surveyor BSurv, BSc(Physics) MNZIS

Originally from Timaru, Seamus graduated from Otago University in 1998 with a degree in Surveying and Physics and began his Surveying career with the Surveying Company in Pukekohe. In this rapidly growing environment Seamus learnt many of the technical aspects of surveying that he now utilizes for the benefit of the Hawke's Bay. Seamus moved to the Hawke's Bay with his young family in 2004 to manage the office and has assisted in the growth of the company from an initial staff of four to our current levels of nine. Seamus brings his love of the outdoors to his working environment incorporating aspects in urban design for the sustainable benefit of the Hawke's Bay. Seamus brings a knowledgeable, approachable quality to the face of surveying and project management which maximizes the benefits to clients from first time developers to large scale professionals.  If you are wondering about the dual name, it simplifies matters in the office with two Brians. 

 Alan Martin-Smith 

 Licensed Cadastral Surveyor (BSurv) MNZIS

Alan has recently joined our team from another surveying firm in the Hawkes Bay bringing with him approximately 15 years of experience and the credentials of being a Licensed  Cadastral Surveyor.  Alan is a keen footballer keeping goal for Port Hill and suffers from Tottenhamitus, which has no cure in modern science. Alan graduated from Otago University with distinction in 2005 and has joined us to further his growth in a management role. Alan is fitting in very well into our team environment showing his sense of humour and is confirming all our positive thoughts on his abilities. We look forward to a long future for him with the Company.

Rita Homes

Land Surveyor BSurv(Hons) MNZIS

Rita has been with the team here at The Surveying Company since January 2009, after graduating from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Surveying with Honours in 2008.  She is a keen orienteer and loves the outdoors, so Hawke’s Bay is perfect for Rita to undertake her professional training. She represented the country in Trondheim, Norway at the World Orienteering Championships in 2010, so Rita is more than able to keep up with the long days in the field. Rita is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor.   

John Nielsen

Computer Aided Draftsman

John began work with us in November 2007 and has quickly applied his 15 years of drafting experience to the world of surveying. He has made this adjustment quickly having previously been a draftsman in the engineering field and working in the engineering industry for over 25 years. Of Viking origin and this is not surprising when you meet him, John enjoys a keen interest in astronomy which in itself has many Surveying attributes. We look forward to discovering more hidden abilities as he settles into this new role.

 Jessica Dine 

 General Office Administrator 

We have recruited Jessica after she recently graduated from Otago University with a degree in Accounting and Management. Jessica is choosing to take some time out before beginning her career and we hope to utilise her obvious talents in our office administration area. With strong training in Accounting and Management, we also hope to expand her role's contribution to the team. Jessica has a bubbly personality that will be a pleasure to all that are fortunate enough to call or drop by.