News
Read the latest from our team on the ground along with geotechnical and geophysical news here.
For engineers driving the energy transition, the question isn’t just about capacity – it’s about how to build renewable infrastructure that is fit for purpose, grounded in real data, and resilient to increasingly volatile environmental conditions.
New Zealand has bold renewable energy targets, but progress is far from straightforward. While over 80% of our electricity generation is technically renewable, energy demand continues to rise and infrastructure is ageing.
In meeting this challenge, we know that building a truly sustainable energy future isn’t just about technology or policy, it’s about the decisions made underground, before a single turbine or panel is installed.
This is where high-quality geotechnical input is critical for any project.
From selecting viable sites in complex or remote terrain, to designing foundations that can withstand both seismic and climatic pressures, there is minimal margin for error.
As Geotechnical specialists, RDCL is behind some of the leading renewable energy projects across Asia-Pacific.
Examples include:
/ Harapaki Wind Farm in Hawke’s Bay’s exposed high-altitude ranges
/ the Wawa Dam in Philippines enabling mission-critical water supply to Manila, with the Pacific Ring of Fire underscoring subsurface seismic hazards
/ Solar Farm installations of varying scale and soil types across the country
Our role is to turn uncertain ground into a stable foundation for long-term performance. We believe in supporting sustainable infrastructure for the future of the land and its people, which drives us to bring tailored expertise and innovation to every project.
Put simply, RDCL has the capability.
If you are working on a project in the renewables space across the Asia-Pacific, we can reinforce you with:
/ Site selection, early feasibility and cost modelling
/ Navigating environmental and regulatory demands
/ Long-term monitoring post-commissioning
/ Robust ground data and insights
Talk to us today to see how we can help strengthen your project.
Contact: www.rdcl.co.nz/contact/
3 days ago
Do you know the value that construction monitoring brings to your projects?
Construction Monitoring isn’t just a compliance cost, so how about we start seeing it as an opportunity.
If you missed it on LinkedIn, here’s our latest article by Principal & Senior Engineering Geologists Tom Grace and Tim Bartholomew, to help share insights on the topic.
🔗 Article: www.linkedin.com/posts/rdcl_do-you-know-the-value-that-construction-monitoring-activity-733371119…
1 week ago
Today, on World Day for Cultural Diversity, we’re celebrating the many perspectives that shape how we work, think, and grow at RDCL.
We believe that diversity isn’t just good for business – it’s our secret. Diversity brings more breadth to our problem-solving, more care to our relationships, and more meaning to our mahi.
Take a moment to explore our team page – not just to see who’s on the ground, but to hear what drives them. They’re world class!
🔗 www.rdcl.co.nz/staff/
#WorldDayForCulturalDiversity #RDCLWhānau #DiversityInAction #ExpertsOnTheGround #GroundedInIntegrity #DiversityWorksNZ
4 weeks ago
Fantastic group. Grateful to be a part of it.
Property owners are often told they need a Geotech Report for compliance, but why are they critically important to your build?
Let’s consider the ground below your building.
The intention of these reports is compliance, but in doing so, you can also gain expert insights to support efficient, cost-effective, and safe development.
The insights that RDCL provides – with every report – makes the difference from compliance to something meaningful.
While the box-ticking for building or resource consents is important for projects, even more important is knowing the ground conditions and potential for future adverse events, and to get the building design right.
Earthquakes, landslides, hidden objects under the earth, are all taken into account. Understanding your land and being clear on the risk points is information that can protect you in future (and help with insurance and council negotiations).
With so much variance in soils and geology beneath the surface, every property is different and this is data you won’t want to be without.
At RDCL we aim to cut through the jargon and red tape, and deliver a report specifically tailored to you with concise results – and insights – that are clear and understandable.
/ Find answers to our FAQ’s about Building & Resource Consents here: www.rdcl.co.nz/service/building-resource-consent/
/ Contact us to enquire about your Geotech Report www.rdcl.co.nz/need-a-geotech-report/
/ RDCL
#expertsontheground
2 months ago
We love rising to the challenge of remote work!
In addition to our presence in the Philippines and New Zealand, here are some snaps from our Senior Geophysicist Alistair Stronach, who is driving several pieces of critical work across the Pacific Islands.
Working on the islands in remote locations comes with some heady challenges, and we’re proud of what Alistair and the team are achieving.
For instance, a single downhole seismic test in the Pacific might take 5-6 days to complete, compared to just 1.5 days in New Zealand, due to travel logistics and equipment sourcing. These challenges, from sudden changes in trip plans to equipment shipping delays, test our team’s adaptability.
Despite this we are delivering quality work consistently, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Key to this are the skills, knowledge and support of locals on the ground.
In each region, we tap into local skills and supply networks, producing reliable and well-informed data sets that our clients can confidently use to guide their decisions.
The work we are doing — from seismic testing to ground conditions analysis for infrastructure projects such as hospitals, wharves, temples and commercial buildings — is critical in helping communities thrive.
On the ground the conditions are vastly different, with much less infrastructure, and yet our experiences from Aotearoa and the Philippines are still very relevant. From seismic testing to navigating volcanic lava flows and complex ground conditions, we are able to apply our deep expertise across diverse environments.
At RDCL, we are incredibly grateful for the partnerships and trust that allow us to bring our skills across the APAC region.
For geotechnical investigations anywhere across Asia-Pacific, our team are equipped and ready to fly out.
#RDCL #Gratitude #InternationalWork #PacificIslands #SeismicTesting #GeotechnicalEngineering #Adaptability #Infrastructure #Partnerships #TropicalProjects
2 months ago
RDCL is proud to announce the appointment of Derek Batchelor as Commercial Partnerships Manager!
This role marks an important step in our commitment to future-proofing RDCL through deeper partnerships and an inherently connected client experience. Derek brings broad industry experience and a pragmatic, people-first approach that aligns with our kaupapa and ethos.
From the outset he is working closely with our CEO, Cam Wylie, to engage with clients across Asia-Pacific – listening closely, responding thoughtfully, and helping shape solutions that meet the demands of a changing environment.
Derek’s expertise strengthens our capability, and we look forward to the impact he’ll make across the business and with our valued partners.
Welcome to the team, Derek.
🔗 www.rdcl.co.nz/staff/derek-batchelor/
#RDCL #Leadership #BusinessContinuity #CommercialPartnerships #expertsontheground
2 months ago
Great to welcome Derek