Keep the Cash Flowing – Tradie Tips to Get Paid – Part 1
Cashflow is king for any contractor — yet late payments, unclear terms, or clients who don’t pay at all can cripple your business. A good contract is your first line of defence. Here are practical tips to help you lock in better contract terms and get paid on time, every time 1. Always Get It […]
Court Issues Warning to Directors Who Misuse Retentions
We can now expect to see summary judgment applications against directors of failed construction companies who misuse retention funds. The High Court has adopted the Canadian position that a director is deemed to have known of any statutory or trust requirements and will be personally liable to restore any missing retention money that should have […]
Insolvent and Indifferent: A Director’s Missteps and a Warning to Homeowners
A recent High Court decision, Batley v MacDonald [2025] NZHC 974, has sent another clear warning to company directors across New Zealand: when a business starts to sink, misusing funds to keep the ship afloat while topping up your own interests is not an option. It is also a reminder to homeowners to take care when providing […]
Bylaws 101: Everything you need to know about the Civil Aviation Act 2023 update to airport bylaws
The Civil Aviation Act 2023 (“the Act”) was introduced to Parliament in 2021 to repeal and replace both the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the Airport Authorities Act 1966 (“the Airport Authorities Act”) with a single, modern statute. A key modernisation in the Act relates to how airport bylaws are made and amended by airport […]
Duty to Warn: When is a contractor is responsible for design choices made by an owner?
Introduction A duty to warn is when a party may be held liable for damage or loss caused to another where the party had an opportunity to warn the other of the issues and failed to do so. We are regularly asked by contractors whether they have any responsibility in situations like the following: A […]
Retentions Must Be Returned – The High Court Confirms
Retentions under a subcontract are held on trust by the head contractor for the benefit of the subcontractor. If retentions are withheld, contingent on anything other than the subcontractor’s performance, they must be released immediately, as this is considered void and unenforceable. In Stevensons Structural Engineers 1978 Ltd (in liq) v McMillan & Lockwood (PN) Ltd & […]
New High Court Decision on Right Of Way Easements
In a recent High Court case, an order was made compelling the owner of a private driveway to allow their neighbour to install a new gate on that driveway. This decision, made in response to a dispute between Ruby & Rata Ltd (“Ruby”) and the Eagle Trust, highlights the importance of carefully reviewing the record […]