The New Zealand Geotechnical Society (NZGS) Symposium Awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellence in geotechnical research, practice, and academia. These awards encourage innovation and promote best practices within the fields of geomechanics.
The NZGS awards were presented in October 2025 at the NZGS Symposium in Auckland:
2025 NZGS Geomechanics Lecture Award:
The 2025 NZGS Geomechanics Lecture Award was presented to Professor Rolando Orense. This award celebrates lifetime achievement and notable contributions to the New Zealand geotechnical profession.
Best Research Paper:
PGA Adjustment Factors for TS1170.5 to Account for Nonlinear Site Response on Soft Soils by C.A. de la Torre, M. Cubrinovski, B.A. Bradley & S.S. Bora (University of Canterbury & GNS Science)
Best Practice Paper:
Under the Mountain – City Rail Link, Mt Eden Tunnel Portal Temporary Retaining Structure Design and Construction Challenges by S.A.B. Farquhar & Y.F. Thorp (Tonkin + Taylor Ltd)
Best Student Papers (Joint First Prize):
Liquefaction Characteristics of Gravelly Soils Prepared by Water Sedimentation Method by L. Wang, G. Chiaro, S. Rees, C. Cappellaro & A. Pokhrel (University of Canterbury)
Simplified CPT-Based Liquefaction Ejecta Severity Model Using Christchurch Data by K.M. Azul, R.P. Orense & L.M. Wotherspoon (University of Auckland)
Best Student Poster:
Liquefaction Characteristics of Gravelly Soils Prepared by Water Sedimentation Method by L. Wang, G. Chiaro, S. Rees, C. Cappellaro & A. Pokhrel (University of Canterbury)
NZGS Geomechanics Lecture – New Zealand Geotechnical Society
NZGS Symposium Best Papers and Student Poster Awards – New Zealand Geotechnical Society
