Engineering
Expert Witness
Structural Engineering Expert Witness Services
Independent structural engineering advice for building claims, disputes and legal proceedings.
When a structural issue becomes the subject of a claim or dispute, clients need technical advice that is independent, evidence-based and clearly communicated.
Our specialist team provides structural engineering expert witness services for matters involving earthquake and natural-hazard damage, design issues, construction failures and building compliance. We help clients understand complex structural issues and provide clear technical opinions to support informed decisions.
The team brings extensive experience in forensic structural assessment and expert witness work, including well over 1,000 post-earthquake property assessments and involvement in around 200 litigation claims. This experience also includes the design and construction monitoring of building repairs, providing practical insight into how damage presents and which remediation strategies can be effective.
As part of Kirk Roberts, our specialists can draw on structural, geotechnical, civil, environmental, fire and architectural expertise where a matter requires a broader technical perspective.
Our services include
Independent structural engineering assessments
Assessment of earthquake and other natural-hazard damage
Investigation of design issues, construction defects and structural failures
Review of structural designs, reports, repairs and remediation strategies
Assessment of building compliance matters
Preparation of technical reports and expert evidence
Expert conferencing and engagement with other technical specialists
Support through mediation, facilitation, settlement conferences and court proceedings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Expert Witness
When might I need a structural engineering expert witness?
Expert advice may be required when there is a dispute about the cause, extent, repair or responsibility for structural damage, defects, design issues, construction failures or compliance matters.
What is the difference between a forensic investigation and expert witness advice?
A forensic investigation establishes what happened and why. Expert witness advice uses independent technical evidence to assist with a claim, dispute or legal proceeding. A forensic investigation may form part of expert witness work, but not every investigation becomes a legal matter.
Who can engage the service?
The service may support building owners, insurers, local authorities and other parties involved in a building claim or dispute. The appropriate engagement and any conflict checks will be confirmed at the outset.
What does the process involve?
We begin by understanding the matter, completing any required conflict checks and agreeing the scope. Our work may include reviewing documentation, inspecting the property, coordinating testing, preparing an independent report and supporting later dispute-resolution or court processes.
Our Expert Witness Specialist – Simon Finn
Simon Finn is a Chartered Structural Engineer with more than 26 years of experience across structural design, forensic assessment and expert witness work. He received the Engineering New Zealand President’s Gold Medal in 2022 and became a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand in 2023 in recognition of his contribution to forensic structural assessment.
Simon has also been a member of Engineering New Zealand’s Natural Disaster Recovery Panel, providing independent engineering advice through the New Zealand Claims Resolution Service. Simon is also engaged by Engineering New Zealand to act as an investigation committee chair as part of Engineering New Zealand’s complaints process.
Simon Finn
Simon has over twenty-eight years’ experience in structural engineering, initially starting his journey designing structures for the water industry, then moving into the world of buildings. Simon has led multidisciplinary design teams on large projects ranging from schools and hospitals to casinos and retail, with specialist, in-depth experience in using steel framing.
Simon relocated to New Zealand, where he has developed a passion for forensic assessment of earthquake-damaged structures and has quickly become one of New Zealand’s leading experts in this field. This specialist expertise has now expanded to providing expert witness services on litigated claims relating to many different structural issues, from design flaws to construction failures and non-compliances, across New Zealand. This expertise has been recently recognised with Simon winning the Engineering NZ President’s Gold Medal Award in 2022 and more recently achieving Fellow status with Engineering NZ in 2023.
In his spare time, Simon can be found in the gym or out walking. At home, Simon has a passion for model building and, being a child of the 80’s he is also a keen gamer.
Simon Finn
If you need independent structural engineering advice for a building claim or dispute, contact us to discuss the issue and appropriate next steps.
Our Projects
Sudima Kaikōura – 2023 New Zealand Property Industry Awards – Excellence
Leeward Drive, Thames-Coromandel – Specifi™ and Kirk Roberts Collaboration
New World Green Bay, Auckland – Keeping the store fully operational during the eleven month rebuild
Our Expert Witness Specialist
Simon Finn
Simon has over twenty-eight years’ experience in structural engineering, initially starting his journey designing structures for the water industry, then moving into the world of buildings. Simon has led multidisciplinary design teams on large projects ranging from schools and hospitals to casinos and retail, with specialist, in-depth experience in using steel framing.
Simon relocated to New Zealand, where he has developed a passion for forensic assessment of earthquake-damaged structures and has quickly become one of New Zealand’s leading experts in this field. This specialist expertise has now expanded to providing expert witness services on litigated claims relating to many different structural issues, from design flaws to construction failures and non-compliances, across New Zealand. This expertise has been recently recognised with Simon winning the Engineering NZ President’s Gold Medal Award in 2022 and more recently achieving Fellow status with Engineering NZ in 2023.
In his spare time, Simon can be found in the gym or out walking. At home, Simon has a passion for model building and, being a child of the 80’s he is also a keen gamer.
Simon Finn
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