John La Roche, MNZM, BE (Civil), FIPENZ

John La Roche graduated from Auckland University in 1962 and worked in London for Ove Arup and Partners before returning to New Zealand where he was involved in the design and supervision of engineering projects around Auckland. In 1968 he joined the water treatment company, Paterson Candy International, being involved in the design and commissioning of new water treatment projects including large plants for Hamilton and New Plymouth cities. In 1975 he moved to the bulk water department of the Auckland Regional Authority where he became responsible for the design of water treatment plants.

In 1988 he and others established the voluntary charity Water for Survival, raising funds for water supply and sanitation in developing countries. John took early retirement in 1992 and managed the charity with his wife, providing assistance to over 500,000 under-privileged people. Water for Survival joined Oxfam in 2003 leaving John with time to join the IPENZ Auckland Engineering Heritage committee where he became Chairman in 2007.