Law changes afoot, including bigger penalties and longer suspensions for builders
Tim Bates of Auckland law firm TM Bates & Co summarises recent announcements about the end of joint and several liability principles in favour...
A major shake-up: Earthquake strengthening rules overhauled
The Government has announced an overhaul of New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building system, marking the most significant regulatory shift in seismic standards since the post-Canterbury...
Liability and legislative reform in New Zealand: Whose fault is it anyway?
The recent announcement by the coalition Government of its intention to introduce a proportionate liability framework within New Zealand represents one of its pillars...
Private building consent authorities — how will their emergence impact the construction sector?
Efficiency and cost of consenting is a constant source of ire within the construction sector. However, something has now changed. For the first time since...
Building company director found liable for inducing breach of restraint
Tim Bates of Auckland law firm T M Bates & Co reviews the Court of Appeal decision in the case of Blight v Colville,...
Building a greener future — embedding sustainability into NZ construction contracts
In a rare show of unity, New Zealand’s political leaders agree on one thing — the urgent need for climate action. The construction sector...
Do councils owe property owners duty of care for economic loss?
Tim Bates of Auckland law firm TM Bates & Co reviews the case of a house owner whose claim against the local council over...
Recurring issues with Early Contractor Involvement and their mitigation strategies
Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) is a procurement strategy where contractors are engaged in the early stages of a project’s planning and design. When implemented...
Remote building inspections could be the new default — are you ready?
The Government has released its plan for consenting authorities to adopt remote inspections technology as the new default — with public consultation being sought....
Practical tips for Good Practice contracting
Given the wider commercial pressures felt by many in the construction sector, businesses have become more contractual in their dealings, and there has been...