About Us
Trevor Mitchell from the Ministry of Works and Development initiated formation of the Society which held its inaugural meeting on 7th November 1979. Also at the meeting were Dr Bryan Walford, Bob Gale, Murray Mitchel and Wally Dixon.
Object
To foster the advancement of knowledge relating to the design of timber structures and elements
Functions
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The regular publication of technical papers, including research reports, technical notes, reports on successful design and construction methods, design procedures and sample designs.
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The dissemination of up to date information relating to design, manufacturing and construction processes and techniques.
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The promotion of regular seminars both at national and local level.
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The promotion of research activities.
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The provision of guidance and assistance in the education and practical training of designers.
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The promotion of New Zealand Standards to ensure the economic and efficient use of timber buildings and other structures.
From early on TDS was aligned as a technical group of the Institute of Professional Engineers of New Zealand (IPENZ) (now Engineering New Zealand) as many members were engineers, however membership has always been open to other people with an interest in timber design such as architects and scientists.

Past Presidents
1978 - 1980
Trevor Mitchell
1981 - 1983
John Webster
1984
Bryan Walford
1985
James Hutchison
1986 - 1987
Bob Gale
1988 - 1990
Andy Buchanan
1991 - 1993
Hank Bier
1994 - 1996
Garry Tonks
1997 - 1998
Spencer Nicholls
1999 - 2002
Bryan Walford
2002 - May 2003
Pat Simperingham
May 2003 - Dec 2006
Ken McIntosh
Dec 2006 - Feb 2007
Andy Buchanan
Feb 2007 - Feb 2010
Hugh Morris
Feb 2010 - Feb 2013
Ross Davison
Feb 2013 - March 2016
Daniel Scheibmair
March 2016 - Feb 2018
David Reid
Feb 2018 - Feb 2021
David Carradine
Feb 2021 - Present
Daniel Moroder