A Brief History

James Armstrong Blaikie, son of a pioneering family in South Otago, qualified as a surveyor.

J. A. Blaikie commenced a surveying practice in Gore as a surveyor and civil engineer, marking the earliest roots of the business in the region.

Ernest Gordon Wilson joined the practice, which became Blaikie and Wilson.

Following Wilson’s death, the practice was sold to George Armstrong Blaikie (nephew of J. A. Blaikie)

The firm became Blaikie and Blaikie when G. A. Blaikie entered partnership with Allan Blaikie.

Neil Clark acquired the practice, which continued as N. E. Clark and Associates.

The business evolved into Clark Brewster McDonald and Associates, reflecting the involvement of Jon Brewster and Neil McDonald.

Murray Fortune joined the practice.

Murray Fortune moved to Gore as partner in charge, while Neil McDonald transferred to Invercargill and later to Queenstown in 1984.

Neil McDonald and Murray Fortune became two of the most significant figures in the modern history of the business, leading the Queenstown and Gore practices respectively under the Clark Fortune McDonald name and helping shape the direction of the business as it evolved.

The Dunedin office opened.

The Christchurch office opened.

Neil McDonald and Murray Fortune retired, leaving a strong foundation for the next stage of the business.

Clark Fortune McDonald operates as one integrated business across Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Gore.