May 14, 2025

Ep. 125 | A grit engineered legacy

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In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Charles Clifton.

In this episode of Stirring the Pot, we’re having a kōrero with Professor Charles Clifton — legendary structural engineer, longtime HERA collaborator, and newly named Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

From early experiments to revolutionising the way Aotearoa designs for seismic and fire resilience, Charles reflects on his incredible four-decade career in engineering. We explore the big turning points that shaped his journey, the often-overlooked capabilities of structural steel in extreme conditions, and the technical breakthroughs that changed how we build.

Charles also shares what continues to inspire him, what he hopes the next generation of engineers will take on, and the one thing he wants to be remembered for.

Whether you’re just starting your engineering journey or have been in the game for years, this episode offers insights on leaving a lasting legacy and designing for impact.