Amberley Country Estates

Russell has spent more than 30 years helping shape communities across the South Island.

As a Director, Licensed Cadastral Surveyor and Planner, he combines technical expertise with a passion for people, places and outcomes. Whether supporting a large-scale development, a tourism project or a community-focused initiative, Russell brings a calm, solutions-focused approach and the knowledge of how to turn ideas into successful projects.

He specialises in the strategic planning and consenting of complex development proposals, providing integrated advice that bridges planning, surveying and land development engineering. He regularly guides projects from early feasibility and master planning through to consent approval and implementation.

A qualified commissioner, Russell has strong understanding of the Resource Management Act and associated decision making frameworks. He’s regarded for his balanced, independent judgement and ability to assess complex proposals by weighing planning, urban design, engineering, legal and environmental considerations.

Russell enjoys working alongside clients, councils, consultants and contractors and building strong relationships. He takes particular satisfaction in mentoring younger professionals and helping clients navigate complex projects, drawing on more than three decades of experience.

Outside of work, Russell enjoys spending time with family and making the most of everything the South Island has to offer. A keen cook, yachtie and skier, he values the strong community connections that have been built throughout his career and remains passionate about supporting projects that leave a positive legacy for future generations.

Ben is a senior civil engineer who works across both our Christchurch and Greymouth offices, as well as our geotechnical engineering and civil engineering teams.

He delivers detailed design and project execution for developments throughout Christchurch and North Canterbury, while also supporting safety management and innovation in our high-tech drone surveying and aerial observation capabilities. 

Ben brings solid geotechnical experience to civil engineering projects, including onsite supervision of bulk earthworks, and subgrade inspections. His most recent work includes detailed design of Silverstream Stages 5–10 in Kaiapoi and The Clearing development in Amberley, alongside other residential and industrial projects throughout Christchurch and North Canterbury. 

He is specialised in Civil 3D design for both residential and industrial subdivisions, including stormwater modelling, related infrastructure planning and 3D surface modelling. 

Known for being efficient and organised, Hamish brings sharp geotechnical insight and a positive approach to every project .

Hamish is an engineering geologist who provides geotechnical and engineering geology expertise to projects across Canterbury. With a strong academic background in geology, including a doctorate completed in the geothermal industry, he helps clients with site investigations, analysis, design and construction monitoring.

Hamish's experience includes geotechnical investigations for earthquake-damaged residential properties and subdivision developments across Christchurch, and preparing geotechnical site investigations and reports for residential and commercial projects across TC1, TC2, TC3 and unclassified areas.

In addition, supports shallow and deep ground investigations, liquefaction analysis, geological hazard assessments for subdivisions and foundation recommendations, with reporting aligned to MBIE guidance and NZS 3604 requirements. He has a particular interest in rockfall and slope stability.