---
title: Our History
description: Discover DEG's 30-year legacy in engineering and inspection services, offering expert solutions in compliance, calibration, and certification nationwide. Connect with our experienced team today.
image: https://deg.nz/hubfs/1761183481644-1.jpg
---
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Industries
[Energy & Utilities](https://deg.nz/energy-utilities?hsLang=en-nz) [Manufacturing & Processing](https://deg.nz/manufacturing-processing?hsLang=en-nz) [Fabrication & Construction](https://deg.nz/fabrication-construction?hsLang=en-nz) [Marine & Ports](https://deg.nz/marine-ports?hsLang=en-nz) [Civil Infrastructure](https://deg.nz/civil-infrastructure?hsLang=en-nz)
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[Approach (Scale)](https://deg.nz/our-approach?hsLang=en-nz) [Accreditations & Quality](https://deg.nz/accreditations-quality?hsLang=en-nz) [Safety & Compliance](https://deg.nz/safety-compliance?hsLang=en-nz)
Resources
[Insights](https://deg.nz/insights?hsLang=en-nz) [Compliance Updates](https://deg.nz/compliance-updates?hsLang=en-nz) [Technical Guidance](https://deg.nz/technical-guidance?hsLang=en-nz) [Case Studies](https://deg.nz/case-studies?hsLang=en-nz)
About
[About DEG](https://deg.nz/about?hsLang=en-nz) [Our History](https://deg.nz/our-history) [Leadership Team](https://deg.nz/leadership-team?hsLang=en-nz) [Careers](https://deg.nz/careers?hsLang=en-nz)
[Contact Us](https://deg.nz/contact-us?hsLang=en-nz)
##### ABOUT
## OUR HISTORY
##### FROM A TIMARU STEEL INSPECTION BUSINESS TO A NATIONAL ENGINEERING GROUP.
Three decades of growth, diversification, and technical depth — built one site, one client, one accreditation at a time.
###### THE STORY
##### THIRTY YEARS, ONE STANDARD.
Design Engineering was founded by Dean van Buuren, in 1991 in Timaru, initially offering steel detailing, mechanical design, welding inspection and qualification testing. Over time, services expanded to include structural engineering, non-destructive testing and equipment inspections across cranes, pressure systems, electrical gear and elevating work platforms. Branches were added in Christchurch, Dunedin and Hamilton between 2007 and 2014.
In 2018, the company acquired Survey NZ, strengthening its capabilities in ship surveys and land-based inspections. A restructure in 2021 formed the DE Group, comprising DE Consulting Engineers & Inspection, DE Calibration & Compliance, and Survey NZ.
In 2025, the group rebranded as DEG, now operating through DEG Consulting Engineering, DEG Calibration & Compliance, and DEG Survey & Inspection. With a 5-star Impac Prequal rating and deep expertise in NZ compliance frameworks, DEG delivers audit-ready, technically robust solutions nationwide.
###### KEY MILESTONES
###### 1991
**Founded in Timaru.**
Established as Design Engineering by Dean van Buuren, delivering steel inspection, weld testing, and mechanical engineering services to the South Canterbury industrial sector.
###### 1991–2007
**Growth as South Canterbury’s inspection business of record.**
Expansion into structural engineering, NDT, and equipment inspection across cranes, pressure systems, and EWPs.
###### 2007–2014
**Branch expansion.**
New offices established in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hamilton to meet growing demand for accredited inspection and engineering services.
###### 2018
**Acquisition of Survey NZ.**
Strengthened capability in ship surveys, port and marine inspection, and land‑based inspection services.
###### 2021
**Formal restructure into the group.**
Three specialised divisions established: DE Consulting Engineers & Inspection, DE Calibration & Compliance, and Survey NZ.
###### 2025
**Rebrand to DEG.**
Three integrated divisions brought together under a unified identity, supporting on‑site and remote field services nationwide.
### WANT TO TALK TO A TEAM WITH THIRTY YEARS OF STORIES?
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