CDS has one of the most experienced directional drilling teams in New Zealand. Founded by Graham and Lyn Clough in 1985, CDS is now owned by Graham and Lyn and two of their sons, Daniel and Anthony. In addition, they have many long standing senior managers who together with the directors oversee the operational and support team.
Fundamental to the development of CDS’s horizontal directional drilling (HDD) skills has been a program of international-based people and process development. CDS has secondary key drilling technicians from Canada, Australia and America who assist with our HDD projects in New Zealand. This has been coupled with the training of CDS personnel in drilling and drilling fluids engineering at drilling schools in the USA and South East Asia.
CDS operates with dedicated drilling teams and civil crews. The drill team consist of a Site Manager, a Leading hand, mud technicians and between 2 – 6 support staff. The Civil Crews consist of a Site Manager, a leading hand and between 2 – 4 staff.
Below are some key members of our team.
Directors:
Graham Clough
Graham founded CDS and remains available to the team for consultation on projects. He has been instrumental in CDS’s development over the past 25 years, overseeing the introduction of new machinery, methodologies and pipeline solutions.
Lyn Clough
Lyn oversees the company’s commercial and financial management, with the support of the office staff. She has seen CDS grow from it’s small beginnings to what it is today and now operates in a director level role.
Daniel Clough
Daniel is a shareholder and director, and is the Senior Drill Manager at CDS. His directional drilling spans 25 years and includes drilling large diameter underground services. Daniel researched reclaiming systems in the USA and Australia and led the design, fabrication and commissioning of CDS’s drilling fluids preparation and recycling systems.
Anthony Clough
Anthony is a shareholder and director of CDS, and is CDS’s Sales and Tendering Manager. He has over 25 years’ experience in directional drilling and is regularly involved in the formation of methodologies alongside our clients and design engineers.
Richard Clough
Richard is a shareholder and director of CDS, he brings over 20 years of specialist experience in horizontal directional drilling (HDD), with a career spanning major projects across New Zealand and the USA. As CDS NZ Ltd’s Senior Drill Manager, he oversees all field operations and leads our Maxi Rig crews with a strong focus on safety, quality, and precision.
A qualified mechanic with extensive training in drilling fluids and HDD systems, Richard is an expert in drill operations, custom reamer and pulling head designs, building fluid mixing and recycling systems, and trenchless pipeline methodology. He is also skilled in grade-critical installations, HDD risk mitigation, plant and materials logistics, and on-site mechanical and welding support.
Richard’s leadership and depth of technical knowledge make him a trusted mentor and a key contributor to the success of our HDD operations.
Engineers:
Marc Carmody
Marc Carmody is a Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand & APEC Engineer. Marc joined CDS in 2014 as an Operations Engineer and Project Manager. Marc has over 12 years of experience in a broad range of infrastructure projects both as a contract and consultant engineer. Since joining CDS Marc has been involved in the management of stormwater, sewer and water projects for Local Councils including Auckland Council, Watercare, Hamilton City Council as well as the private sector.
Jack Dohnt
Jack is a member of Engineering New Zealand and is the newest addition to the CDS team, having joined in early 2020. Jack has 7 years’ experience in the construction industry and has managed stormwater and wastewater projects for clients including Auckland Council, Watercare, and the private sector.
Kingston Manley
Kingston is a Civil Engineer at CDS New Zealand Ltd, bringing experience in the construction industry and a proven track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure projects across New Zealand. Since joining CDS in 2022, Kingston has taken a lead role in project management, client engagement, and quality assurance, ensuring successful outcomes for clients such as Auckland Council, Watercare, and other key stakeholders.
With a strong foundation in civil engineering and site-based experience, Kingston excels in managing project specifications, adhering to critical timelines, and leading teams through all stages of delivery. He maintains open and effective communication with clients, consultants, contractors, senior staff, and directors—fostering collaboration and building confidence in both internal teams and external stakeholders.
William Xiang
William is a Civil Engineer with six years of experience in the three waters infrastructure sector, developed through roles as a Client, Consultant, and Contractor. William joined CDS in 2024 as a Project Engineer, bringing with him a strong foundation in construction and complex civil delivery. He has contributed to the successful management and delivery of stormwater and wastewater projects across Auckland for clients that include Watercare and Auckland Council.
William has a comprehensive understanding of the full project life cycle, from design and construction through to commissioning and operational handover. He is known for his practical, solutions-focused approach, strong stakeholder relationships, and consistent delivery of high-quality project outcomes.
Andrew Leahy
Since joining CDS as a Project Manager in 2022, Andrew has made a significant impact on the successful delivery of infrastructure projects across the Auckland region and beyond. With a solid background in fibre design and rollout, Andrew brings both technical expertise and a strong track record in project leadership to every assignment.
At CDS, Andrew has been instrumental in delivering a wide range of projects across stormwater, wastewater, and telecommunications sectors. His portfolio includes work for key clients such as Auckland Council, Watercare, Kaipara District Council, and various private sector partners. His ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, maintain programme timelines, and ensure high-quality outcomes has earned him the respect of colleagues, clients, and industry peers alike.
Head Mechanic:
Matt Sellers
Matt joined CDS in 2014 and has been the head mechanic since 2015. Matt has a NCEA qualification in heavy Diesel and Road Transport. Matt is a key part in keeping the drill rigs and mobile plant operating safely and efficiently onsite.