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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Small Homes, Big Opportunities: What the Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Bill Means for Contractors
Rebecca Richter, Lawyer, Ford Sumner Lawyers New Zealand’s construction sector is undergoing a significant regulatory update that will impact all homeowners, contractors, architects and insurers. The Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Bill (the Bill) aims to streamline the process of building small stand-alone dwellings, otherwise known as granny flats. If you’re a residential builder, subcontractor, […]
Keep the cash flowing – tips to get paid – Part 2
Rebecca Richter, Lawyer, Ford Sumner Lawyers Cashflow is king for any small contractor — yet late payments or clients who don’t pay at all can cripple your business. But one powerful tool can help protect your cash flow – making sure your invoices are valid payment claims under the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA). Do you have small […]
Airports Newsletter April 2026
Welcome to our latest Airports Newsletter! In this newsletter, you’ll find valuable legal updates on issues impacting airports and their operations. Click here to see the Airports Newsletter. Feel free to share this newsletter around, and please let us know your suggestions for future issues! As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need […]
Shake Up of Earthquake-Prone Building System: What It Means for Commercial Property
In September 2025, the Government announced a series of proposed changes to New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building (EPB) system under the Building (Earthquake-Prone Building System Reform) Amendment Bill. The reforms aim to make the current EPB regime more risk-based and proportionate, reducing compliance costs while maintaining safety standards. Key proposed changes The Government has indicated several […]
To Suspend, or Not to Suspend: The Risks of Suspending Works
In the fast-paced world of construction, cash flow is king. But what happens when your client stops paying? Or they’re causing endless delays? For many contractors and subcontractors, the idea of suspending work seems like the obvious way to protect yourself. But pulling the pin too soon can backfire badly. Here’s why you need to […]