He then began two years of employment with the London and Glasgow Engineering and Ironship Building Company before deciding to move to Canada.

[1] McKenzie left his mining job in Otago to move to the West Coast and enter the construction industry as an engineer and bridge builder.

His projects included construction of the Westport Staiths at a cost of 22,000 pounds, the railway bridge at Arahura, laying rails to Hokitika and years later the Jervois Quay wharf in Wellington.

In Parliament he helped to pass a Loan Bill which allowed the Westport Harbour Board to borrow £50,000 in order to fund extensive and long overdue improvements.

[6] The practical experience he had as an engineer and builder made him an effective minister as the period featured great activity in public works schemes, particularly in roading improvements.