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 - Director | Principal Structural Engineer

Vaakesan Gunaratnam - Director | Principal Structural Engineer

  • B.Sc, MEMgt, CPEng (AU & NZ)

With over 18 years of international experience in structural engineering, design management and project delivery, he combines technical expertise with a practical understanding of construction. His experience spans modular and prefabricated systems, precast concrete, and complex residential and commercial structures.

At LEAD Engineering Consultants, he leads structural design and technical delivery, working closely with clients, architects and contractors to develop practical, cost-effective and buildable solutions. His focus is on clear communication, responsive service and guiding projects confidently from concept through to construction.

“My goal is to make structural engineering simpler, faster and smarter with practical solutions that work on site as well as on paper, while keeping safety and compliance at the core.”

Key Specialties

  • Modular Structural Design & Prefabricated Systems
  • Precast Concrete & Multi-Storey Structures
  • Structural Design for Fast-Track Construction
  • Structural Assessments & Engineering Certification
  • Client Relationship Management & Technical Advisory
  • Design Coordination & Project Delivery

Looking for practical structural advice and responsive engineering support? Get in touch today to discuss your upcoming project.

Picture of Nadarajah Sundaram (Nada) – Director | Operations & Business Development

Nadarajah Sundaram (Nada) – Director | Operations & Business Development

  • BScEng (Hons), MEngST (Eq. Eng)

With over 18 years of experience in structural engineering, business development and project leadership across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Nada brings a strong combination of technical expertise and strategic business leadership. His experience spans commercial and residential buildings in New Zealand, high-rise developments in Singapore, and complex structural engineering projects.

As Director of Operations & Business Development at LEAD Engineering Consultants, Nada focuses on business growth, client relationships, multidisciplinary team leadership and delivering practical, cost-effective engineering solutions from concept through to construction.

“I believe successful engineering is built on strong relationships, technical excellence and a commitment to delivering practical solutions that exceed client expectations.”

Key Specialties

  • Structural Engineering & Design Management
  • Commercial, Residential & High-Rise Buildings
  • Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
  • Project Delivery & Multidisciplinary Team Leadership
  • Client Relationship Management & Value Engineering
  • Structural Design Review & Construction Monitoring

Looking for practical engineering solutions and a clear path forward? Connect with Nada today to discuss your project and how our team can help.

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.