The Surveying Company HB Ltd has earned its reputation as Hawke’s Bay’s most trusted name in surveying through a mix of technical excellence, forward-thinking innovation, and a deep connection to the community.
Founded in 2000, the company has grown and evolved with the times, combining decades of hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools that push the boundaries of what’s possible in land development and surveying. At the helm is long-serving director Brian Daly, better known as Seamus, who brings decades of industry insight and leadership. He joined the firm in 2004 alongside his namesake and company founder Brian Foote.
The name switch to Seamus helped minimise confusing their clients. Seamus has seen the profession shift from manual tools to GPS, and more recently to high-tech innovations like drones, LiDAR Technology, and 3D modelling, enhancing their ability to deliver comprehensive and accurate surveys.
Fellow director Nick Wakefield, who joined the company as a graduate in 2007, has been instrumental in championing these advances along with being instrumental in building a small but experienced planning team. “Surveying has evolved significantly,” says Seamus.
“The accuracy and efficiency we can achieve now were unthinkable when I started. We’ve always embraced new tools to provide better outcomes for our clients—and that’s a big reason for our continued growth.”
Innovating from the Ground—and Sky—Up
One of the most significant steps in TSC’s evolution came from a chance encounter on Te Mata Peak between Nick and university mate Will Heesterman. Will, who was working in Australia and had built up expertise in drone surveying, wasn’t planning to return to Hawke’s Bay—but the conversation sparked an opportunity. Soon after, Will joined TSC and led the integration of drone technology into the business.
From that point, the team began offering high-resolution aerial mapping, volumetric analysis, and topographical surveys—transforming the way projects were delivered. What once took days could now be completed in hours, with unmatched precision.
This expansion of capability also led to the creation of DroneIT, a standalone sister company delivering advanced drone services across the region. “Our ability to gather comprehensive data from the air means we can offer insights that were previously impossible or incredibly time-consuming to obtain.
“This has proven incredibly useful not only in surveying and engineering applications but also in planning provisions.
“It’s about doing things smarter, faster, and with greater accuracy,” says Nick.
Efficiency Through Smart Tools
Drone technology is just one part of TSC’s modern surveying toolkit. From advanced GPS and 3D modelling to automated data analysis, the team is focused on delivering streamlined, accurate results across a wide range of projects—from large-scale subdivisions to detailed architectural surveys. Technology has revolutionised their surveying approach, offering unprecedented benefits that extend far beyond traditional methods.
Where conventional surveying might capture a few hundred points, drone technology allows them to collect millions of points quickly, creating comprehensive, highly detailed 3D models with remarkable accuracy. Recent examples in the adoption of drone and 3D technology include conducting multiple cliff surveys to create detailed 3D models to help local authorities understand geological changes and manage public safety at Cape Kidnappers and Bluff Hill.
During the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery, drone technology was used to rapidly map damage and provide engineering teams with precise data about stop bank failures and infrastructure challenges. Local infrastructure projects have been transformed by their approach including the Hawke’s Bay Expressway widening project which compressed six months of traditional surveying into just two weeks of drone-assisted data collection, minimising disruption and cost.
This isn’t just about collecting more data; it’s about collecting smarter, more efficient data that provides clients with unprecedented insights into their land and infrastructure. Their commitment to innovation also triggered a brand refresh in mid-2024.
Simplifying the name from The Surveying Company to TSC brought clarity and cohesion, especially when aligned with the branding of DroneIT. “It made sense to modernise and streamline the brand,” says Seamus. “It also helped avoid confusion with other firms and reflected the way the business has progressed.”
Full-Service Offering with a Local Heart
TSC provides a comprehensive suite of services, including land development, resource management, planning, engineering surveys, and construction set-outs. But it’s not just about technical know-how—what truly sets TSC apart is its deep-rooted commitment to Hawke’s Bay. Seamus and Nick are both actively involved in the local community. Nick referees local rugby, while Seamus is a boxing coach with Giants Boxing Academy, helping to mentor local youth.
The company also sponsors the Napier City Rovers premier football team and supports holiday programmes and charitable initiatives. “We live here, we work here, and we want this region to thrive,” says Seamus.
“Being involved in the community is not a side project—it’s part of who we are.” Both Seamus and Nick are also proud of the TSC team which today is a good mix of experienced surveyors, draughtspeople, planners and administration support.
“We have a great work environment and that’s proven by the long tenure of many of our staff,” says Seamus. Surveying the Horizon Looking ahead, TSC remains committed to pairing innovation with community impact. With technology continuing to evolve, the company is ready to take on more complex, challenging projects—without losing sight of the region and people who’ve supported its growth. TSC’s story is one of progress, people, and purpose. Whether through industry-leading technology or meaningful community involvement, the company is proving that shared success is the best kind.
