Robert Davey conferred with NZSEE life membership

Announced at NZSEE’s annual dinner and awards, life membership is the Society’s highest, most prestigious honour. 

With 50 years’ experience as an earthquake engineering / risk management specialist and leader in the Ministry of Works, Works Consultancy Services, Opus and WSP, it’s fitting recognition for Robert.  

A citation prepared by WSP national technical leader for geotechnical engineering Pathmanathan Brabha highlights Robert’s technical contribution to earthquake engineering over the past five decades.  

Robert has played an important part in initiatives to better understand the seismic performance of facilities, strengthening and design of the built environment, and embedding best earthquake engineering practice through the development of standards. 

The citation notes Robert’s involvement in earthquake response and recovery in New Zealand and overseas, including after Iran’s 1990 Manjil Earthquake and Taiwan’s 1999 Chi Chi Earthquake. 

Robert was heavily involved with response and recovery following the 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence and has helped Engineering NZ and the Earthquake Commission with expert advice in resolving insurance claims. 

He has been involved in the design of many notable buildings and structures around New Zealand, including Wellington District and High Courts, Rimutaka and Auckland Central Remand Prisons, and wind farm tower foundations. 

The Society is “delighted to recognise Robert’s outstanding contribution through the award of life membership”. So are we. Congratulations Robert on this well-deserved recognition - from all your colleagues at WSP.