John Fitzmaurice had a successful career, working as a consulting engineer in the field of wastewater treatment infrastructure.
John graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from Auckland University College. He started work as an Assistant Engineer in 1952, with the Auckland Metropolitan Drainage Board. When the proposed Brown’s Island Sewage Scheme was paused, he took the opportunity to undertake further study, winning a Fullbright Travel Grant and completing a Master of Science degree in Sanitary Engineering from Harvard in the United States.
John returned to New Zealand in 1956. By this time the Brown's Island Scheme had been replaced by the Manukau Sewage Purification Works Scheme. John became part of the design team and was later promoted, becoming Design Engineer (Special Works), overseeing all Treatment Plant contracts.
In 1963, John joined Leicester Steven to form Steven & Fitzmaurice, Consulting Engineers. They worked in the field of sanitary and environmental engineering, designing major sewage schemes and treatment plants. The firm amalgamated with Beca, Carter, Hollings & Ferner in 1989 to form Beca Steven.
Between 1995-2001, John served as a Deputy Commissioner for the Environment Court, while continuing to work as a consultant in environmental engineering under his own name.
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This interview is held at the Alexander Turnbull Library. Contact the library for more information.
Date of Interview: 2015
