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Who we are

Abner Duarte

Geotechnical Engineer, Director

CPEng, MEqEng, BE (Hons) Civil

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I founded Cornerstone Geotechnical in 2023 with a clear vision: to deliver technically sound, timely, and trustworthy geotechnical solutions that form the foundation of safe and resilient infrastructure. Whether you're navigating complex ground conditions or recovering from natural disasters, Cornerstone is your dependable partner — combining engineering rigour with a personal commitment to excellence.

I am a Chartered Geotechnical Engineer and the founder of Cornerstone Geotechnical — a practice built on the principles of technical excellence, integrity, and dependable service.

With a BE(Hons) in Civil Engineering from the University of Canterbury and a Master of Earthquake Engineering from the University of Auckland, I bring a solid academic foundation backed by years of hands-on experience across New Zealand’s diverse geological landscape.

Since launching my career, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to some of the country’s most significant infrastructure projects — from Auckland’s City Rail Link to the ManawatÅ« Highway and Papakura to Drury corridor. As design lead on key packages, I developed a strong reputation for delivering reliable solutions in high-pressure environments.

My work has since expanded into the commercial sector, designing geotechnical solutions for large-scale warehouses on challenging ground, and more recently into slope stabilisation and geotechnical remediation following New Zealand’s extreme weather events. I’ve played an active role in recovery efforts, including Auckland Council’s land categorisation assessments.

Father, wife and daughter

Our Team

"Behind every strong foundation is a team — because no structure, and no person, stands tall alone."

Cornerstone Geotechnical may have started as a one-person vision, but its strength comes from the unwavering support of the team behind the scenes — my family. My wife, with her administration role in the business and constant belief in the purpose behind this work, and my baby daughter, who reminds me daily of the future we’re building — they are the quiet force that fuels every decision, every late night, and every step forward. This business wouldn’t be what it is without them, and in many ways, they too are a cornerstone.

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