How do compensation claims affect property settlements?
A recent High Court decision, Reid v Omana North Limited [2026] NZHC 92, provides clarification on how clause 10 of the ADLS/REINZ Agreement for Sale and Purchase (“the Agreement”) operates when purchasers pursue a compensation claim. The case arose from the collapse of a $3.4 million Auckland apartment purchase, with disputes centring on settlement timing, […]
Court of Appeal clarifies HSWA liability for trusts and trustees
The Court of Appeal has released its decision in RH & JY Trust v WorkSafe New Zealand [2026] NZCA 12, confirming that trusts, as well as trustees acting collectively, can be prosecuted as a “person” under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (“HSWA”). This ruling provides clarity for businesses that operate through trust […]
When the Price No Longer Stacks Up: How NZ Contractors Can Deal with Fuel and Freight Disruption
Geopolitical instability in the Middle East is driving fuel prices higher and freight costs through the roof. For the New Zealand construction industry, we sit at the end of long supply chains, where diesel is embedded in almost everything we do. If you are holding a fixed-price contract and watching your margins compress, there are […]
The New Standard: Key changes to the Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate
The Law Association (“TLANZ”) and the Real Estate Institute (“REINZ”) have released a new version of the standard Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate(“ASPRE”) and the Sale of Real Estate by Tender (“SRET”). The new ASPRE and SERT addresses changes to New Zealand’s privacy landscape under the Privacy Amendment Act 2025 (“PAA”), which […]
Are Contractors Liable for Defective Building Materials in New Zealand?
n New Zealand, contractors who supply and install materials for residential building work may still be liable if those materials fail, even if they did not manufacture or design them. Under the Building Act 2004 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, contractors can be responsible for ensuring supplied materials are fit for purpose, durable, and […]
The Rise of EPC in New Zealand Infrastructure
EPC contracts are becoming more common in New Zealand infrastructure projects, especially in energy, utilities, and complex industrial developments. Under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, one contractor is responsible for delivering a fully operational project, usually for a fixed price and with strict performance obligations. This model offers owners greater cost certainty and […]
What Are the Biggest Tendering Risks for Contractors in New Zealand in 2026?
The biggest tendering risks for contractors in New Zealand in 2026 include cost volatility, underpricing, incomplete tender documents, unfavourable contract terms, labour constraints, compliance obligations, and financial exposure during long tender processes. For many contractors, the key risk is not simply losing work, but winning work on terms that undermine margin and increase legal or […]
Closing the Gap: New Privacy Obligations for Indirect Collection of Personal Information under IPP 3A
IPP 3A is a new requirement under New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020 that applies when an agency collects personal information indirectly rather than from the individual concerned. In most cases, the agency must take reasonable steps to notify the individual that their information has been collected, why it has been collected, who will receive it, […]
How employers can respond to global supply chain disruptions and fuel supply uncertainty
Global supply chain disruptions and fuel supply uncertainty can affect business operations, staffing, costs, and customer demand. Employers should respond proactively by reviewing employment agreements, updating flexible working policies, assessing restructuring risks, and planning for contractual issues such as force majeure. A clear response plan can reduce uncertainty, support employees, and help businesses remain resilient […]
Regulatory Changes Underfoot: What Flooring Pros Need to Know About the Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Bill
Rebecca Richter, Lawyer, Ford Sumner Lawyers. New Zealand’s construction sector is undergoing a significant regulatory update that will impact all contractors, suppliers and manufacturers, including those in the flooring industry. The Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Bill (the Bill) aims to streamline the use of overseas building products and ensure they meet New […]