Frame Group Limited

What Frame Group Limited does

Frame Group Limited is a privately-held specialist engineering consultancy headquartered in Auckland with a second office in Wellington, delivering professional engineering services across Aotearoa New Zealand. The firm focuses exclusively on the design and delivery of tracks and outdoor visitor structures — including pedestrian bridges (suspension, swing, glulam), boardwalks, marine and river structures, jetties, wharves, viewing platforms, huts, heritage structure restoration, climate adaptation solutions, and kauri dieback track mitigation. Operating in the Parks & Reserves and Outdoor Visitor Experience sectors for over 30 years and delivering thousands of projects, Frame Group runs a full project lifecycle capability spanning Advisory, Asset Assessments, Feasibility Studies and Options Assessment, Solutioning/Concept Design and 3D Visualisation, Detailed Design and Engineering, Consents Management, and Construction Management, using modern site data capture, CAD/draughting software, and 3D visualisation techniques.

The firm's client base is dominated by central and local government — including the Department of Conservation, Auckland Council, Wellington City Council, and 10+ regional and district councils across both islands — supplemented by iwi and hapū organisations (co-design partnerships on projects such as Cathedral Cove), private tourism operators (Robertson Lodges/Kauri Cliffs, Man O' War Vineyards), community groups, and private landowners. Revenue is generated entirely through bespoke, project-based professional services fees on multi-year contracts; there is no SaaS, subscription, or self-serve channel. Frame Group has been at the forefront of developing nationally recognised standards and guidelines for tracks and outdoor visitor structures, including kauri dieback track mitigation protocols, and has won multiple ACE Awards (Silver 2023, Silver 2025, Sustainability 2023) and Timber NZ recognition. The firm is privately owned, appears to be founder/management-led under Managing Director Jonathan Pringle, has not raised external capital, and operates with a small, specialist team.

Name

Frame Group Limited

Legal name

Frame Group Limited

Website

https://frame.co.nz

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Frame Group Limited is a privately-held New Zealand specialist engineering consultancy (Auckland and Wellington, 14 staff, 30+ years operating) that designs tracks, pedestrian bridges, boardwalks and outdoor visitor structures for DOC, councils, iwi, and tourism operators across Aotearoa New Zealand, on a project-based professional services model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Engineering Consulting Services — Tracks and Outdoor Visitor Structures

NAICS

Landscape Architectural Services (54132)

akta.pro primary industry

Landscape Architecture & Site Design (BPAHAKAC)

Keywords

• Track engineering
• Pedestrian bridge design
• Boardwalk engineering
• Kauri dieback mitigation
• Outdoor visitor structures

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Engineering Services: Frame Group generates revenue by providing a comprehensive suite of engineering consulting services across the full project lifecycle: Advisory; Asset Assessments; Feasibility Studies and Options Assessment; Solutioning, Concept Design and Visualisation; Detailed Design and Engineering; Consents Management; and Construction Management. Revenue is project-based, billed as professional services fees per engagement, with no SaaS or subscription model indicated. Clients include government agencies, councils, iwi, community groups, businesses, and private individuals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Frame Group Limited is a specialist engineering consultancy providing design, engineering, and project management services for tracks and outdoor visitor structures across Aotearoa New Zealand. Services span the full project lifecycle — Advisory, Asset Assessments, Feasibility Studies, Concept Design and 3D Visualisation, Detailed Design and Engineering, Consents Management, and Construction Management — covering pedestrian bridges, boardwalks, trails, marine and river structures, heritage restoration, climate adaptation, and kauri dieback track mitigation. Clients are principally government agencies, local councils, iwi, community groups, tourism operators, and private landowners.

Product overview

Frame Group Limited is a specialist engineering consultancy offering a comprehensive suite of services across the full project lifecycle for tracks and outdoor visitor structures. The company operates as a single unified service offering rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core service portfolio includes: Advisory Services (strategy and capability building), Asset Assessments (condition evaluations), Feasibility Studies and Options Assessment (opportunity identification), Solutioning/Concept Design and Visualisation (3D visualisation included), Detailed Design and Engineering (construction-ready documentation), Consents Management (Building and Resource Consent navigation), and Construction Management (project delivery oversight). The company specializes in paths, tracks and trails; access structures (bridges, boardwalks); marine and river structures; outdoor visitor structures (viewing platforms, shelters); outdoor visitor buildings (huts, bird hides, visitor centres); climate adaptation solutions; supporting infrastructure (drainage, retaining walls); Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation; vehicle access infrastructure; and heritage structure restoration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Advisory Services Strategic consulting services that help clients shape strategy, build capability, and navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. Offered to government agencies, councils, iwi, community groups, and private sector clients in the parks, reserves, and outdoor visitor infrastructure sectors.
• Asset Assessments Condition and fit-for-purpose assessments to help clients make smarter short and long-term asset management decisions on tracks, bridges, boardwalks, and outdoor visitor structures.
• Feasibility Studies and Options Assessment Identifying opportunities and challenges, testing ideas, and exploring options based on relevant criteria to help clients make well-informed choices before committing to track, bridge, boardwalk, or visitor infrastructure projects.
• Solutioning, Concept Design and Visualisation Identifying optimal means to achieve client objectives based on site-specific assessment, turning this into achievable, costed concept designs including 3D visualisation for tracks, bridges, boardwalks, and outdoor visitor structures.
• Detailed Design and Engineering Delivering clear, buildable designs that balance technical detail with real-world constructability for tracks, pedestrian bridges, boardwalks, marine and river structures, heritage structure restoration, and climate adaptation solutions.
• Consents Management Supporting clients through Building and Resource Consent processes with early insight and practical coordination for tracks, bridges, boardwalks, and outdoor visitor infrastructure projects.
• Construction Management Providing services to support project delivery ensuring works are built safely, efficiently and to specification for tracks, bridges, boardwalks, and outdoor visitor structures.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 52,000 visitors in the first month following the opening of the Kauri Glen Reserve Treetop Bridge
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, core and minor.

• Tonkin + TaylorsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFrame Group collaborated with Tonkin + Taylor (geotechnical engineering) on the Cathedral Cove Access Track Reinstatement project, following storm-related closure of the track. Tonkin + Taylor provided geotechnical engineering as part of the whole-of-corridor assessment exploring both short and long-term access solutions.
• Ngāti HeicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNgāti Hei iwi partnered with Frame Group and Tonkin + Taylor on the Cathedral Cove Access Track Reinstatement. Ngāti Hei was an integral co-design partner contributing cultural knowledge and ensuring alignment with hapū aspirations for the reinstated access route.
• Roam ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrame Group led a major feasibility study for the Waikirikiri Alpine to Sea Trail and Te Waihora Lakeside Cycle Trails in partnership with Roam Consulting (trail development specialist) and Martin Jenkins (cost benefit analysis).
• Martin JenkinssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMartin Jenkins was engaged by Frame Group as a specialist sub-consultant to conduct cost benefit analysis for the Waikirikiri Alpine to Sea Trail and Te Waihora Lakeside Cycle Trails feasibility study.
• Roam ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrame Group worked alongside Roam Consulting and mana whenua on the Ōkataina–Tarawera–Rotomahana Trail Network Feasibility Study, a proposed 31 km multi-day Great Walk-standard walking experience.
• Department of Conservation (DOC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDOC is the primary government client and strategic partner for Frame Group, engaging the company for the Kauri Dieback Mitigation Programme, Hump Ridge Track, Fiordland Predator Gate, Cathedral Cove reinstatement, and many other projects. Frame Group's expertise in DOC standards and Great Walk requirements makes DOC a repeat strategic client.
• Johnson Contractors LtdsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerJohnson Contractors Ltd was a construction contractor engaged by Frame Group for the Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation Programme across multiple Northland sites, trained in kauri-safe construction techniques.
• Right Track LtdsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRight Track Ltd was a construction contractor engaged by Frame Group for the Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation Programme.
• Croft TimberminorOthersCroft Timber was a material supplier for the Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation Programme.
• Te Araroa TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTe Araroa Trust (national trail manager) was a partner in the Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation Programme, identifying high-risk sections of the Te Araroa Trail for kauri-safe upgrades. Frame Group's work on the programme supports the national long-distance trail.
• Walkway Solutions LimitedsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWalkway Solutions was the construction contractor for the Hauraki Rail Trail project, delivering approximately 50 bridges and trail infrastructure designed by Frame Group.
• Edifice StructuressupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEdifice Structures was the construction contractor for the Hump Ridge Track and South Coast Swing Bridges project, delivering remote backcountry swing bridge structures engineered by Frame Group for Fiordland's demanding terrain.
• Opus Consultants (now WSP)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOpus Consultants (now WSP) provided project management for the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, working with Frame Group on design and construction management of bridges and boardwalks in the Eyre Mountains, Southland.
• Plantpro & SonssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPlantpro & Sons was the construction contractor for the Helena Bay (Hay Road to Webb Road) Track, a rural section of the Te Araroa Trail delivered by Frame Group.
• Chow Hill Architects LtdsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerChow Hill Architects provided architectural design for the Waitara Wetland Boardwalk, collaborating with Frame Group on a culturally sensitive eel-inspired design reflecting the environment's heritage.
• Riley ConsultantssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRiley Consultants provided geotechnical engineering and hydrology services alongside Frame Group on the Milford Road Chasm Bridges Replacement feasibility study for DOC.
• Green ScenesupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGreen Scene provided ecological consulting for the Kauri Glen Reserve Treetop Bridge project.
• Southern SkiessupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSouthern Skies provided planning consulting for projects including Kauri Glen Reserve Treetop Bridge and Baylys Beach Boardwalk.
• LandTechsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLandTech provided geotechnical engineering for multiple Frame Group projects including Kauri Glen Reserve Treetop Bridge, Le Roys Bush Reserve, and Francis Kendall Reserve.
• Fort ProjectssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFort Projects was the construction contractor for the Kauri Glen Reserve Treetop Bridge and Waikowhai Coastal Walkway projects.
• Robinson Asphalts LimitedsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRobinson Asphalts Limited was the construction contractor for the Baylys Beach Boardwalk. Robinson Asphalts won the $100-$500K Construction Award at the Contractors Northland Awards 2021 for their work on this project.
• La Bonte Coastal Consultants LtdsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLa Bonte Coastal Consultants Ltd provided coastal engineering for the Baylys Beach Boardwalk project.
• Arb EcosupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArb Eco provided arborist services for multiple Frame Group projects including Waiheke Island Track Renewal Programme, Le Roys Bush Reserve, and others.
• Ecology NZsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEcology NZ provided ecological consulting for Le Roys Bush Reserve Slip Damage Remediation.
• CFG HeritagesupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCFG Heritage provided archaeological consulting for the Auckland Domain Track Network Upgrade.
• Origin ArchaeologysupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOrigin Archaeology provided archaeological consulting for the Waiheke Island Track Renewal Programme.
• eCoastsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnereCoast provided coastal engineering for the Waikowhai Coastal Walkway project.
• Geotek ServicessupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGeotek Services provided geotechnical engineering for the Waikowhai Coastal Walkway project.
• BiolandscapessupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBiolandscapes provided visual assessment and ecological consulting for the Waikowhai Coastal Walkway project.
• GeometriasupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGeometria provided heritage consulting for the Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation Programme.
• Who Dares Wins (NZ Minnow) LimitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWho Dares Wins (NZ Minnow) Limited engaged Frame Group to assess the structural integrity and load capacity of the historic Skippers Canyon Pipeline Suspension Bridge for a US television series stunt. This non-typical engagement required heritage-sensitive technical analysis.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• BECA: New Zealand-headquartered engineering consultancy with significant scale and capability across infrastructure, environment, and buildings sectors. Competes indirectly with Frame Group on public-sector outdoor and infrastructure projects.
• WSP: Global professional services firm (which absorbed Opus in New Zealand) with a large NZ presence delivering transport, environmental, and infrastructure projects for government and councils. Competes indirectly on parks and outdoor visitor infrastructure projects.
• Aurecon: Large global engineering and infrastructure advisory firm with significant New Zealand presence serving DOC, councils, and private clients. Competes indirectly on outdoor and parks infrastructure as part of broader infrastructure portfolios.
• Stantec (New Zealand): Global engineering consultancy with a New Zealand practice delivering environmental, civil, and infrastructure work for councils and DOC. Competes indirectly on outdoor and parks infrastructure projects.

Direct peers

• Boffa Miskell: New Zealand-based landscape architecture, planning, and urban design consultancy with deep experience in parks, reserves, and outdoor environments. Highly comparable to Frame Group's site design focus on outdoor visitor infrastructure for DOC and councils.
• Isthmus Group: New Zealand landscape architecture and urban design practice focused on parks, public realm, and outdoor environments. Comparable to Frame Group on outdoor site planning and design for parks, reserves, and recreational infrastructure.
• Riley Consultants: New Zealand geotechnical and civil engineering consultancy serving DOC and councils on infrastructure in sensitive environments. Comparable on specialist engineering services for outdoor and conservation projects, and is already a Frame Group sub-consultant.
• Tonkin + Taylor: New Zealand environmental and engineering consultancy with strengths in geotechnical, coastal, and environmental engineering. Comparable as a specialist NZ consultancy serving DOC and councils on sensitive-environment projects, and already an active project partner of Frame Group.

Emerging players

• LandLab: New Zealand landscape architecture studio working on parks, public realm, and environmental design. Comparable on design focus for outdoor environments, though more design-led than the engineering-led Frame Group.
• Morphum Environmental: New Zealand environmental and sustainability consultancy working on infrastructure, water, and ecological outcomes with local councils. Comparable on environmental and regulatory consulting adjacent to Frame Group's sensitive-environment work.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/frame-group-limited

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Frame Group Limited