ABOUT

Meet the engineer behind River Concepts Advisory

River Concepts Advisory is an engineering firm that is focused on adaptive management of river systems that promotes nature-based engineering solution in a changing climate and ecologically stressed water resources. This includes initial investigations of issues and risks, hydrological and hydraulic analysis, development of river management and engineering concepts for flood protection and control and land drainage. Also, identification and scoping of infrastructural maintenance and upgrade options, and implementation advice including project management.

GHASSAN BASHEER

Director

With over 43 years of expertise in river and drainage engineering, Ghassan Basheer is a leading civil engineer specializing in flood control, drainage systems, and river management. His career spans decades of pivotal contributions to water resource engineering, both in New Zealand and internationally.

For the past 27 years, Ghassan has worked with the Waikato Regional Council, where he held several key positions, including Principal Technical Advisor, Assets Engineer, and Programme Manager. During his tenure, he was instrumental in shaping and implementing flood protection schemes, riverbank erosion control, and sustainable drainage projects across the Waikato and Waipa catchments.

His diverse experience ranges from conceptual and detailed engineering design to project management and construction supervision. Ghassan’s projects include major flood control schemes, contaminated site remediations, and innovative nature-based solutions that balance community safety with environmental preservation.

Ghassan’s strong leadership, in-depth technical knowledge, and consultative approach have made him a trusted advisor on matters of river engineering, flood risk management, and sustainability. He is also a member of NZSOLD and the Rivers Group, actively contributing to national conversations on flood protection and environmental resilience.

NOTABLE PROJECTS

Lower Waikato and Waipa Flood Control Scheme
Thames Coast Flood Control Scheme following the Weather Bomb 2002
Tui Mine Remediation, one of New Zealand’s most complex environmental restoration projects
Implementation of fish-friendly flood control infrastructure

EDUCATION

H.D/MSc. Urban and Regional Planning, University of Baghdad, Iraq (1978)
BSc. Tech. Civil Engineering & Construction Technology, University of Engineering Technology, Baghdad, Iraq (1976)

OUR MISSION

River Concepts Advisory is an engineering firm that specialises in managing rivers to adapt to changes in climate and ecological stress on water resources.

We focus on using nature-based engineering solutions. Our services include investigating issues and risks, analysing water flow and pressure, creating concepts for managing rivers, especially for flood protection and land drainage.

CORE VALUES:

Integrity

Leading with honesty and transparency, ensuring all projects are delivered with the highest ethical standards and community trust.

Collaboration

We believe in the power of inclusivity and stakeholder collaboration to deliver outcomes that benefit both communities and the environment.

Sustainability

Committed to protecting the environment, by prioritising eco-friendly solutions that balance engineering excellence with long-term sustainability.