WSP Opus

A history of getting New Zealand moving.

Global, multi-disciplinary consultancy WSP Opus began life in New Zealand as the Ministry of Works and Development over 150 years ago. It has a proud history of pioneering the development of New Zealand’s roading and infrastructure network, including the design of Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge. 

The legacy, created through contributing to New Zealand’s growth and prosperity by enabling efficient transport across the country, remains an integral part of the WSP Opus culture today.

Engineering the future

Harnessing its 150 years of experience, WSP Opus is looking to the future. 

In the first global programme of its kind, the company has launched Future Ready – a programme focussing on creating resilience to face the environmental challenges that lie ahead. 

James Brown, Head of Talent Acquisition for WSP Opus says, “Looking at climate change and rising sea level is particularly important in New Zealand – we’re an island, there’s a chance that where we’re sitting right now may be under water in years to come”.

With a commitment to building sustainably for many generations to come, WSP Opus recognises the importance of planning not just for today, or even only 25 years ahead - its focus is well beyond that.

James adds, “The Future Ready programme is looking at the challenges with infrastructure, roading, buildings, water quality – how do we build in the challenges we’re going to be facing in 100 years? We take our global expertise and say to clients, ok, yes you want to design something for now, but actually what’s the lifecycle of that asset? We bring resilience and future ready thinking to their projects”. 

Acting local, thinking global

With 50,000 employees worldwide, the scale of WSP Opus is unrivalled. In New Zealand the company frequently takes advantage of its impressive global expertise - from bringing in teams to implement the Future Ready programme, to flying WSP Opus experts in from other countries to contribute to challenging projects. “There is a real desire within the company worldwide to share knowledge,” James says. 

The scope of work is also impressive here. While WSP Opus’s history lies in roading and infrastructure, today it is truly multi-disciplinary, offering end-to-end asset management and development services, including environmental, energy and water, sustainability and climate change solutions. 

The company’s presence across New Zealand also sets it apart. With over 20 regional offices from Whangarei in the North Island to Nelson and Invercargill in the South, WSP Opus is the only global consultancy in New Zealand operating in the regional communities of New Zealand.

Bring your global experience to WSP Opus Auckland

WSP Opus has many exciting and challenging projects on the go, including work on Scott Base in Antarctica and being an alliance partner on the largest piece of infrastructure ever to be procured in New Zealand, Auckland’s City Rail Link. 

This means there’s endless opportunities for your skills and experience at WSP Opus in Auckland.  From landscape architects, civil engineers, specialists in civil and bridge engineering, to waste water and environmental engineers, WSP Opus Auckland is an ideal place to develop your career.

With over 40 nationalities represented in their 450-strong Auckland team, WSP Opus is well-versed in supporting international candidates with their move to Auckland. The company uses a global mobility tool which gives you an allowance and enables you to select relocation services from an online portal, helping to make the shift to your new city stress-free and seamless. 

Once you’re here, you can relax and enjoy everything Auckland and WSP Opus has to offer. From workplace lessons on Māori language and culture, to a day out dragon boating with your colleagues on one of Auckland’s pristine harbours, you’ll soon discover the lifestyle and work/life balance here in Auckland is second to none.