RetrievalNT · Est. 2026
Twenty years in chartered practice, ten more at the lectern.
PhD · FIQSSL · MNZIQS
Trusted cost auditing.
Empowered QS professionals.
Independent construction cost auditing for live projects across New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Research mentoring and QS tutoring for postgraduate candidates and students across Sri Lanka, the UAE, and overseas.
Three practices, one standard.
Construction Cost Auditing
Independent cost verification, interim and final-account auditing, variation review, and forensic cost opinion reports for New Zealand and Sri Lankan construction projects.
Review scope 02 · AcademicResearch Mentoring
Structured mentoring for MSc, MPhil and PhD candidates. Guidance on proposal, methodology, and journal papers. Never ghostwriting.
See the syllabus 03 · LearningQS Tutoring
One-to-one and small-group tutoring in measurement, estimating, and contract administration, calibrated to IQSSL and NZIQS pathways.
Book a sessionSix reasons clients and students return.
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20+ years of industry experience Pre- and post-contract, on medium- and large-scale projects across multiple jurisdictions.
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Academic and industry expertise A rare dual standing: senior lectureship paired with chartered QS practice.
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Personalised approach Every engagement is scoped to the client or student, not fitted to a template.
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Strong ethical standards Independent, conflict-free, and fully aligned with chartered codes of conduct.
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Focus on accuracy and transparency Work is traceable, documented, and defensible under expert review.
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Cross-border reach New Zealand, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and overseas, delivered remotely or in-person.
Common questions before engagement.
What does RetrievalNT actually do?
RetrievalNT offers three independent practices: construction cost auditing, postgraduate research mentoring, and Quantity Surveying tutoring. All services are delivered by Dr Nilmini Thilakarathna, a PhD-qualified Chartered Quantity Surveyor with more than 20 years of pre- and post-contract experience and over a decade as a Senior Lecturer.
Where are you based and who do you serve?
The practice is based in Christchurch, New Zealand, with a sub-office in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Cost auditing engagements are delivered across New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Research mentoring and QS tutoring serve postgraduate candidates and students in Sri Lanka, the UAE, and overseas, both remotely and in person.
Is Dr Nilmini Thilakarathna qualified for both QS education and practice?
Yes. Dr Nilmini Thilakarathna is qualified across both sides of the discipline: a PhD from Auckland University of Technology and more than a decade as a Senior Lecturer in Quantity Surveying, alongside 20+ years of pre- and post-contract chartered practice. Professionally, she is a Fellow of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors Sri Lanka (FIQSSL) and a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (MNZIQS).
Are engagements independent and confidential?
Yes. Cost auditing engagements are independent of any contracting party, conflict-checked, and kept confidential. A non-disclosure agreement is available on request.
How do engagements start?
Every engagement begins with a confidential introductory call to understand scope, context and deliverables. For cost auditing and research mentoring, a written proposal follows. For QS tutoring, the first 20-minute call is free.