Our history
Our 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.
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90+ years of survey heritage Established in 1932 Shaping the South Island Multi-disciplinary expertise 90+ years of survey heritage Established in 1932 Shaping the South Island Multi-disciplinary expertise
Expertise that spans regions and generations
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Expertise that spans regions and generations
Our expertise spans engineering, surveying and planning, and over more than 90 years we’ve grown our presence across the South Island, with teams now based in Christchurch, Nelson, Greymouth, Timaru and Wānaka.
That growth has been shaped by the people who have been part of Davis Ogilvie. From those who helped lay the foundations to the team we have today, their knowledge, technical expertise, care and commitment continue to influence how we work. We’ve also built strong relationships with respected professionals across the engineering and surveying industry, whose collaboration and support have played an important role along the way.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on delivering exceptional services, supporting our people, clients and connections, and making a positive impact.
OUR HISTORY
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 and also became a partner. This led to another name change, establishing JL Davis, Son, Ogilvie and Associates.
Barry Greig joined in 1968 as a surveyor and became a Registered Surveyor later that same year. He’s now a Consultant Surveyor, having stepped back as director, a position he held from 1974 to 2012.
We expanded during this time, opening offices in Kaiapoi, Oamaru and Ashburton, broadening our client base and reach.
Tim Liley joined DO in 1980 as a survey assistant and now leads the survey team. As new experts joined and the founders retired, the name evolved to become Davis Ogilvie and Associates in 1987.
In the early 1990’s, resource management planning strengthening our service offering and a few years later in 1994, we welcomed graduate surveyor Russell Benge who later became a company Director.
In 1996, we amalgamated with Timaru company Cowan and Holmes, and during the same year, Tony Lindbom joined Gourdie and Ward in Nelson.
Elliot Duke joined Davis Ogilvie in 2002 as a graduate engineer. In the following year, we merged with Gourdie and Ward. Expanding further, in 2006, we 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 (Aoraki) Ltd was established in Timaru.
In 2012, after a decade with the company, Elliot Duke was appointed a director to lead our growing engineering team.
Russell Benge celebrated his 20-year anniversary with Davis Ogilvie in 2014.
After 19 years with Davis Ogilvie (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 at 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 our 90-year anniversary celebration.
In 2025, Elliot Duke, Director and Chartered Professional Engineer, was appointed an Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau Fellow, an honoured class of membership recognising highly experienced professionals who’ve made a huge impact on engineering in Aotearoa.
May 2026 saw the opening of our Wānaka office, marking an important step in strengthening our presence across Central Otago and the Southern Lakes region.