Expert witnesses

Our team of experts are highly sought after to act as expert witness in property and construction disputes, both in and out of the court system.

With unrivalled breadth and depth of knowledge across multiple disciplines, and a solid understanding of the legal and settlement negotiation process, we are the first choice of many legal teams involved in property and construction disputes. 


Our experts will review your case, investigate what went wrong, document the evidence and provide independent, impartial opinion to assist with building and property dispute resolution.

Independent experts

In the role of expert witness, our specialists support building dispute resolution and legal processes both in and out of the court system. We have thorough knowledge and experience in the preparation and presentation of independent expert evidence for clients who anticipate legal action, either as a plaintiff or defendant, in the District Court and High Court.

Forensic evidence

We work with legal teams from the outset to make sure clear instructions are received. We gather as much case history information as possible and carry out any forensic investigation required to gather evidence, which ensures we consider the factual information available when preparing claim settlement figures. 

Collaborative approach 

The best outcomes occur when we work closely as a team. Clear communication between us, your legal and technical advisors improves your chances of a positive outcome in any building dispute. The team can guide you towards a fair settlement, which may involve conceding on some items claimed to achieve a successful outcome.

Specialist technical experts across multiple disciplines 

As a multi-disciplinary property consultancy, we offer technical expertise across a range of specialist subject areas. Our highly experienced senior staff have the ability to bring strong teams together, conferring with other experts when required. 

Our specialist team of expert witnesses includes:

Expert Witness Building Surveyors

  • Philip O'Sullivan - Registered Building Surveyor (Upper North Island)
  • Josh Rawlinson - Registered Building Surveyor (Upper North Island)
  • Dr Dirk Stahlhut - Registered Building Surveyor (Central North Island)
  • Chris Ross - Registered Building Surveyor (Lower North Island)
  • Leon Goodwin - Chartered + Registered Building Surveyor (Lower North Island)
  • Rory Crosbie - Chartered + Registered Building Surveyor (South Island)
  • Heather Crilly - Chartered + Registered Building Surveyor (South Island)
  • Ivan McLellan - Senior Registered Building Surveyor (South Island)

Expert Witness Quantity Surveyors

Expert Witness Structural Engineers

Expert Witness Architects

Expert Witness Valuers

Recent expert witness consulting

Expert Witnesses in action

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Need help? Talk to us.

Philip OSullivan - Registered Building Surveyor

Expert Witness Building Surveyor
Upper North Island

Philip O’Sullivan
021 347 598
philip@prendos.co.nz

Josh Rawlinson - Associate + Senior Building Surveyor - Prendos NZ Limited

Expert Witness Building Surveyor
Upper North Island

Josh Rawlinson
021 154 5071
josh@prendos.co.nz

Dr Dirk Stahlhut - Director Central and Lower North Island Manager + Registered Building Surveyor + Project Manager

Expert Witness Building Surveyor
Central North Island

Dr Dirk Stahlhut
021 269 5114
dirk@prendos.co.nz

Chris Ross - Associate - October 2024

Expert Witness Building Surveyor
Lower North Island

Chris Ross
021 634 887
chris@prendos.co.nz

Leon Goodwin - Associate - October 2024

Expert Witness Building Surveyor
Lower North Island

Leon Goodwin
021 637 488
leon@prendos.co.nz

Heather Crilly - Associate Chartered + Registered Building Surveyor + Senior Project Manager 2024

Expert Witness Building Surveyor
South Island

Heather Crilly
022 058 8545
heather@prendos.co.nz

Rory Crosbie - Deputy Chair South Island Regional Manager Chartered + Registered Building Surveyor Quantity Surveyor

Expert Witness Building Surveyor
South Island

Rory Crosbie
021 633 919
rory@prendos.co.nz

Ivan McLellan - Associate Senior Registered Building Surveyor + Senior Project Manager

Expert Witness Building Surveyor
South Island

Ivan McLellan
021 447 887
ivan@prendos.co.nz

Asela Premaratne - Auckland Lead QS Registered Quantity Surveyor

Expert Witness Quantity Surveyor
Upper North Island

Asela Premaratne
0204 079 1489
asela@prendos.co.nz

Cathy Thomas - Director

Expert Witness Structural Engineer
North Island

Cathy Thomas
022 187 5949
cathy@prendos.co.nz

Natasha Cockerell - Chair

Expert Witness Architect
North Island

Natasha Cockerell
021 0293 9341
natasha@prendos.co.nz

Gordon Edginton - Registered Valuer - October 2024

Expert Witness Valuer
North Island

Gordon Edginton
021 677 772
gordon@prendos.co.nz

Simon OSullivan - Director

Expert Witness Valuer
North Island

Simon O'Sullivan
021 634 804
simon@prendos.co.nz

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