Alan Ferry grew up in Kaitaia. After completing his high school education, he undertook an engineering cadetship with consultancy, Fletcher-Roberts, in Dunedin.
In late 1939, with his cadetship complete, Alan secured a job with the Public Works Department. He was assigned to Tairoa Heads as site representative for the construction of the coastal defence battery.
He then served with the RNZAF on radar and radio in the Pacific.
Following World War II, Alan returned to the Ministry of Works. He was initially posted to Whanganui before obtaining a transfer to Roxburgh to work on the hydro scheme. In 1948 he transferred to Westport, filling the role of Engineer in Charge, with responsibility for roading, bridging and harbour works.
In 1952 Alan moved to Timaru as Resident Engineer, responsible for South Canterbury. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Alan spent time on the Colombo Plan - supervising the building of a dam in West Pakistan and as Director of Works in Western Samoa.
In 1963 Alan was appointed Resident Engineer for Dunedin. He retired in 1970.
