Engineering Certainty Across New Zealand & Australia

At Lead Engineering Consultants, we specialise in practical, code-compliant structural engineering for builders, developers, and architects across New Zealand and Australia. From residential buildings to precast high-rise systems and modular prefab structures, our certified experts bring your vision to life on paper and on site.

With a combined 30+ years of structural design experience, our team is led by two Chartered Engineers with deep specialisation in both fast-paced modular construction and complex high-rise commercial systems.


Quality

We strive to exceed client expectations through precise, code-compliant structural design. Every detail is carefully reviewed to ensure safety, durability, and performance throughout construction and beyond.


Safety

We embed safety into every stage of the project. From design to delivery, our proactive approach ensures a safe environment for workers, site visitors, and end users.


Integrity

Our client relationships are built on trust, honesty, and doing what’s right. We follow strict ethical standards and deliver engineering solutions that align with your long-term goals.


Teamwork

Collaboration drives our success. We work closely with builders, developers, and consultants to overcome project challenges, share ideas, and deliver outstanding engineering results—together.

Picture of Vaakesan Gunaratnam - Principal Structural Engineer
Principal Structural Engineer.

Vaakesan Gunaratnam - Principal Structural Engineer

  • New Zealand
    B.Sc, MEMgt, CPEng (NZ), CMEngNZ, IntPE(NZ)/APEC
  • Australia
    B.Sc, MEMgt, CPEng (Aust), MIEAust, RPEQ, RPEng (Vic), NER

A forward-thinking structural leader with over 17 years of international experience, Vaakesan is the Principal Engineer at Lead Engineering. Known for delivering fast-track, code-compliant designs across New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia, he specializes in modular, precast, and high-performance structural design, guiding complex projects from concept to completion with code-compliant, buildable solutions. His mission: make engineering simpler, faster, and smarter — without compromising safety or compliance.

“I believe the future of structural engineering lies in speed, modularity, and total buildability. My goal is to deliver solutions that work on-site, not just on paper.”

Core Specialties:

  • Modular Structural Design & Prefabricated Systems
  • Precast & Multi-Storey Structural Design
  • Rapid Engineering for Fast-Track Construction
  • Structural Certification & Multi-Region Compliance

Need a senior Chartered Engineer to guide your next complex build? Get in touch with Vaakesan now and take the first step toward streamlined success.

Picture of Kartheeban Nirmalananthan - Lead Structural Engineer
Lead Structural Engineer

Kartheeban Nirmalananthan - Lead Structural Engineer

  • New Zealand
    B.Sc, CPEng (NZ), CMEngNZ, IntPE(NZ)/APEC
  • Australia
    B.Sc, MIEAust

With over 17 years of hands-on structural experience across Asia and New Zealand, Kartheeban is a Chartered Professional Engineer specializing in precast, mid-to-high-rise buildings, and industrial steel structures. Having contributed to Singapore’s rapid high-rise development and now leading structural solutions in New Zealand, he brings a detail-driven approach to every project.

“From concept to construction, I believe great engineering comes from collaboration, clarity, and commitment.”

Key Specialties:

  • Precast & High-Rise Structural Design
  • Seismic Load Analysis & Compliance Detailing
  • Peer Review & Structural Integrity Audits
  • Client-Focused Engineering Solutions

Looking for a licensed structural engineer with local insight and global standards? Connect with Kartheeban today to discuss your upcoming project.

Our Mission

At Lead Engineering Consultants, our mission is to deliver Chartered structural engineering solutions that go beyond compliance—accelerating construction, mitigating risk, and adding lasting value across New Zealand and Australia.

We engineer with builders in mind, regulators in view, and the long-term performance of every structure at heart. Whether modular or precast systems, and across residential, commercial, or industrial projects, our CPEng-accredited solutions are:

  • ✅ Safe: Designed for seismic resilience, wind and snow loads, and lifecycle durability—meeting NZ Building Code, NCC & AS/NZS standards.
  • ✅ Efficient: Optimised for time, cost, and clear fabrication — streamlining PS1/PS2/PS4 submissions in NZ and Form 15/16, Construction Certificate, and PCA processes in Australia..
  • ✅ Buildable: Detailed with shop-drawing precision to minimise RFIs, delays, and on-site challenges.

We believe outstanding Chartered engineering—backed by comprehensive certification for design and construction in both New Zealand and Australia—should be your tool for faster consents, fewer surprises, and superior outcomes.

Ready to simplify your next build and elevate its performance? Let’s get started.

Why Choose Lead Engineering?

Our engineers are not just experienced—they’re licensed professionals (CPEng, CMEngNZ, RPEQ, RPEng [Vic], NER) recognised across New Zealand and Australia. Every design we deliver is council-ready, code-compliant, and crafted to move smoothly through consent and approval processes nationwide.
We deliver smart structural solutions that reduce on-site delays and ensure long-term performance. Our specialities include modular and precast systems, seismic strengthening, and fast-track engineering for complex projects.
We speak builder. Our documentation is clear, coordinated, and constructible—reducing RFIs, saving time, and preventing on-site confusion. Plus, our fast PS1 and PS4 turnaround helps keep your project on schedule.
We don’t just deliver plans—we partner with you. Expect open communication, direct engineer access, and reliable support from start to finish. We're here to make your life easier and your structure smarter.