History | Davis Ogilvie

Davis Ogilvie’s story began in 1932 and over the course of ninety years we’ve experienced numerous pivotal moments, anniversaries and significant events. Together, these have collectively shaped us into a powerhouse of multidisciplinary expertise across engineering, surveying and planning disciplines and expanded our reach across the South Island with offices in Christchurch, Nelson, Greymouth and Timaru.

Over the years, we’ve valued our connections with respected professionals in the engineering and surveying industry, who have made meaningful contributions.

Looking ahead, we remain devoted to delivering exceptional services and making a positive impact.

View of landscape with survey equipment in the field

timeline

1930 – 1980

1980 – 2000

2000 – 2010

2010 – 2020+

JL Davis founded his own insurance assessment and survey business, initially called JL Davis Registered Surveyor and Claims Assessor. When his son Michael joined as a survey cadet, JL Davis and Son was formed. Bolstering the firm’s services to include civil and structural engineering expertise, engineer, Gavin Ogilvie joined the firm who also became a partner. This led to another name change, establishing JL Davis, Son, Ogilvie and Associates.

As new experts joined and the founders retired, the name evolved to became Davis Ogilvie and Associates. Barry Greig joined in 1968 as a surveyor, became a Registered Surveyor later that same year. The company expanded during this time, opening offices in Kaiapoi, Oamaru, and Ashburton, broadening their client base and reach.

Tim Liley joined DO in 1980 as a survey assistant and now leads the survey team. In the early 1990’s, Resource Management Planning bolstered DO’s services and a few years later, in 1994, DO welcomed graduate surveyor, Russell Benge. In 1996 DO acquired Timaru company, Cowan and Holmes and during the same year, Tony Lindbom joined Gourdie and Ward.

Elliot Duke joined DO in 2002 as a graduate engineer. In the following year, DO merged with Gourdie and Ward, establishing the Nelson office managed by Director, David Ward. Expanding further, in 2006, DO acquired the Cowan and Holmes practice in Greymouth, which then established our Greymouth office.

In 2007, after 13 years with the company, Russell Benge became a director bringing his extensive expertise in the diverse aspects of cadastral surveys and development work.

In 2011, Davis Ogilvie established Davis Ogilvie (Aoraki) Ltd with Glen McLachlan becoming the local owner and Managing Director of the Timaru office. In 2012, after a decade with the company, Elliot Duke was appointed a director. As a Chartered Professional Engineer, he has expertise in civil and geotechnical aspects of projects.

Russell Benge celebrated his 20-year anniversary with DO in 2014. After 19 years with DO (and previously Gourdie and Ward), Tony Lindbom became a director in 2015, leading teams in Nelson and Greymouth. The following year, he celebrated his 20-year anniversary with DO.

2018 marked an incredible milestone for Barry Greig who celebrated 50 years with the company. Elliot Duke’s 20-year work anniversary coincided with DO’s remarkable 90-year anniversary celebration.