Insight / Construction New policies aim to streamline building inspection process Recently, the Hon Chris Penk (Minister of Building and Construction) announced the Government’s two-pronged approach to streamline the building consent and inspection process. These initiatives are the opt-in self-certification scheme, and the introduction of mandatory inspection timeframes for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs). The schemes are designed to free up BCAs to focus on high-risk, complex builds, and reduce development delays for simple residential builds. Read more
Insight / Construction Time limits for building claims: 10 years or 10 + 2 years? The Supreme Court has released its long-awaited decision of Beca v Wellington City Council regarding whether the Building Act’s 10-year longstop applied to third-party contribution claims. In a 3/2 split, the Supreme Court held that it did not. Read more
Insight / Construction Construction update: Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Act 2023 Decoded Get ready for the Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Act 2023, effective October 5. Ensure compliance with these changes. Read more
Insight / Construction Transport network receives huge investment The Government has announced a record $32.9 billion investment in New Zealand’s transport network through the 2024-2027 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). Read more
Insight / Construction When you know you’re out of time The Court of Appeal in Rea v Auckland Council [2024] NZCA 313 dismissed an appeal regarding the strike out of claims under the Limitation Act 2010, clarifying the application of "late knowledge" in determining when a claimant is deemed to have sufficient knowledge to bring a claim. The case emphasized that claimants cannot ignore obvious facts that would prompt a reasonable person to investigate their legal rights. Read more
Insight / Construction Loafers Lodge Fire – Introduction of Offences and Penalties for Building Owners and Independent Certifiers On 16 May 2023 the fire at the Loafers Lodge in Newtown, Wellington, broke out killing 5 and injuring 20 people. This tragic event has resulted in a review of how building warrants of fitness (BWOF) is issued under the Building Act 2004 (Act), resulting in proposed changes to both the Act and regulations that will hopefully make not only boarding houses but all buildings subject to the BWOF regime under the Act, safer. Read more
