Throughout his career, John Henderson made a significant contribution to civil engineering in Dunedin, and in doing so was following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
John studied engineering at the University of Canterbury through the Dunedin City Council’s cadet scheme and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) in 1962. He worked for the Dunedin City Council until 1989 and from 1989 to 2002 for City Consultants, the Council’s in-house engineering surveying and project management group. In these positions John was responsible for designing, managing and supervising many of the city’s significant infrastructure projects, including the Dunedin Water Pollution Control Plant commissioned in 1982, and planning to secure utility lifelines in case of civil defence emergency.
In ‘retirement’ he continued as project manager on other significant civic projects in Dunedin, including the Chinese Garden.
John was also an active sportsman and sports administrator and held significant roles in the Otago Cricket Association and at provincial and national level.
John served on the Otago Branch of IPENZ, including as Chairman and on the Engineering Heritage Committee and is a life member and fellow. He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005 for services to cricket and the community.
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This interview is held at the Alexander Turnbull Library. Contact the library for more information.
Date of interview: 2020
Read the biographies of John Henderson’s father, Jack Henderson, and grandfather, Matthew Henderson.
