About Us

Cook Costello is a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy with offices in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Whangārei. We bring civil, structural and geotechnical engineering together with in-house surveying and geophysics, so clients get coordinated advice from one team rather than a chain of separate consultants.

From single homes to major land development and infrastructure projects, our approach is consistent: investigate properly, advise plainly and stay accessible from the first conversation through to sign-off.

Read our story, from 1976 to now

Our mission

To replace assumptions with evidence, so better decisions are made earlier.

Our vision

To set the standard for accurate, evidence-led engineering in New Zealand.

Our values

Respect

We treat clients, colleagues and communities fairly and with care, while upholding the professional and ethical standards of our field.

Collaboration

We work as one team across disciplines and alongside our clients, reducing handovers and helping important information move between the right people.

Accountability

We stand behind our work. The engineer making a recommendation takes responsibility for it, explains the reasoning and remains available as the project progresses.

Evidence over assumption

We investigate, test and verify rather than rely on broad assumptions. Our advice is based on what the site, structure and available data actually show.

Straight answers

We tell clients what they need to know, even when it may be difficult to hear. We explain the risks, options and next steps plainly, without hiding behind jargon.

The difference is how we work

Clients should not have to choose between technical depth and responsive service. Cook Costello combines the breadth of a multidisciplinary consultancy with direct access to the people who understand the project and are responsible for the work.

Here is what that means in practice.

Direct access to experienced engineers

You work directly with the engineers responsible for your project, rather than passing questions through several layers. The people who understand the site, the design and the risks remain accessible as the project progresses.

This means faster answers, fewer communication gaps and advice that stays connected to the original project objectives.

We investigate before we recommend

Good engineering decisions depend on good information. Our in-house geophysics, surveying and accredited testing capabilities allow us to investigate site and ground conditions early, verify important assumptions and target further work where it will add the most value.

That gives the design team a stronger evidence base and reduces the need to allow unnecessarily for unknown conditions.

Risk identified while there are still options

Engineering risks become harder and more expensive to manage once a project reaches detailed design, consent or construction. We look for constraints early, while the design, investigation programme and project sequence can still be adjusted.

Anticipating risk is not an additional service. It is a fundamental part of doing the job properly.

Advice you can act on

Engineering may be complex, but the advice should not be. We explain what we have found, why it matters and what the practical options are, without relying on unnecessary jargon.

Clear advice helps clients understand the trade-offs, make informed decisions and act before risks turn into redesign, delay or disruption costs.

Proportionate, evidence-led solutions

Our recommendations are matched to the evidence, the level of risk and the needs of the project. We test assumptions, consider viable alternatives and avoid adding complexity or cost unless it is justified.

The objective is not simply to produce the most conservative answer. It is to provide a safe, defensible and practical solution that responds to the real conditions.

Our Community

We support the communities where we live and work. This includes sponsoring grassroots sport through the Christchurch Irish Golf Society and Northland Hockey, and investing in the next generation of engineers through university open days, training events and mentoring.

Our people also present at industry conferences to share what we have learned and continue learning from others. We support local environment initiatives where our people and expertise can make a practical contribution.