
BRAD JOSEPH
SPECIALIST FORENSIC FIRE INVESTIGATOR
MASTER OF ARTS (FIRE INVESTIGATION)
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Arts (Fire Investigation)
Executive Dean's List Recipient
25 Years Investigative Experience
Site Safe Certified (through to 2028)
IAAI Certified Training Modules (45)
NZAFI Board Member
Attended 700+ Fire Scenes (NZ and International)
SPECIALISATION
Fire Origin and Cause Investigator
Experienced Drone Operator
Litigation Support & Expert Witness
Advanced 3D Fire Scene Modelling
Brad Joseph joined Corporate Risks in 2001, commencing his career as a General Investigator with a primary focus on surveillance operations. As demand increased for highly trained Specialist Fire Investigators, Brad was selected to join the Corporate Risks Specialist Fire Investigation Team, where he has since established himself as one of New Zealand's leading fire investigators.
Brad began his specialist fire investigation training in 2012 under the mentorship of Grant Weavers and Russell Joseph. Simultaneously, he undertook advanced academic studies through Charles Sturt University in Sydney, Australia. In 2018, Brad completed a Master of Arts in Fire Investigation and was recognised on the Executive Dean's List for Outstanding Academic Performance, achieving Distinction grades across all coursework subjects.
In addition to obtaining his Master's qualification, Brad successfully completed 45 International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Certified Fire Investigator training modules covering a broad range of specialist fire investigation disciplines. His professional development has also included attendance at five international and four national fire investigation conferences, ensuring his knowledge remains aligned with current industry standards, methodologies and emerging trends.
Brad is the only Fire Investigator in New Zealand known to have undertaken an extensive field-based fire investigation training programme exceeding eight years while concurrently completing a Master's Degree specifically focused on fire investigation. This unique combination of advanced academic study and practical experience provides an exceptional level of expertise within the fire investigation profession.
Now a fully qualified Specialist Fire Investigator, Brad has attended in excess of 700 fire scenes throughout New Zealand and internationally. His experience spans a diverse range of investigations, including residential dwellings, commercial properties, hospitality venues, industrial facilities, laundromats, cafes, motor vehicle fires, heavy machinery fires and complex multi-agency fire scenes.
In addition to his work throughout New Zealand, Brad has undertaken fire investigations across the Pacific region, including assignments in Fiji and the Cook Islands. This international experience has provided exposure to a broad range of fire environments, building construction methods and investigative challenges.
A strong advocate for technology-driven investigations, Brad specialises in the creation of detailed 3D fire scene models that assist insurers, legal representatives and other stakeholders in understanding complex fire scenes. He is also an experienced drone operator and routinely incorporates aerial imagery and flyover footage into investigations involving large, hazardous or otherwise inaccessible sites.
Brad has been involved in a number of New Zealand's most significant and high-profile fire investigations, providing critical assistance to insurers and legal counsel managing complex claims and technical disputes.
His expertise has been recognised by the New Zealand courts, where he has provided evidence before the High Court of New Zealand as an expert witness. His ability to clearly explain complex fire investigation findings has assisted legal professionals and the courts in understanding technical aspects relating to fire origin and cause.
Brad works closely with Corporate Risks' Specialist Fire Factual Investigators and Specialist Electrical Engineers, applying a multidisciplinary approach to fire investigation. He regularly liaises with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), New Zealand Police, insurers, brokers and loss adjusters, delivering timely and practical recommendations that support effective claim management and informed decision-making.
In 2024, Brad was invited to participate as a Panel Speaker for the New Zealand Insurance Law Association, reflecting his standing within the insurance and fire investigation industries.
Brad is Site Safe Certified through to 2028 and maintains a strong commitment to health, safety and professional best practice while operating in often hazardous post-fire environments.
Supported by an experienced administrative team, Brad provides fire investigation services throughout New Zealand and internationally. He currently serves as a Board Member of the New Zealand Association of Fire Investigators (NZAFI), contributing to the advancement of professional standards, training and industry development within the fire investigation sector.
