Insight / Construction Proportionate liability will change procurement as much as it changes litigation New Zealand's proposed shift from joint and several liability to proportionate liability under the Building Act Amendment Bill (the Bill) in the building sector has attracted plenty of discussion. Most of it, so far, has focused on litigation — how will claims be structured, how will proceedings run, and whether claimants will be worse off without the opportunity to seek full recovery from deep-pocket defendants such as councils. Read more
Insight / Construction Building Amendment Bill: proportionate liability reforms on the way The Building Amendment Bill, introduced to Parliament on 29 June 2026, is the latest in a series of Government reforms designed to tackle increased costs, delayed delivery and underperformance in the building sector. Read more
Guide / Construction Global Arbitration Review 2026: Construction Arbitration guide (New Zealand) A practical overview of New Zealand's construction arbitration framework, including key legal principles, procedure and enforcement, as part of Global Arbitration Review's international Know-How: Construction Arbitration guide. Read more
Guide / Construction Chambers Global Practice Guide 2026: Construction Law (New Zealand) The Chambers Global Practice Guide: Construction Law 2026 provides an overview of New Zealand’s construction law landscape, including key legal frameworks, risks and market developments. Read the latest guide from Chambers and Partners authored by the Wynn Williams Construction team. Read more
Insight / Construction New opportunities for granny flats under the updated consent exemption For many property owners, the appeal of a granny flat is easy to understand. A small standalone dwelling can create space for extended family, support ageing in place, generate rental income, or simply make better use of existing land. The recent changes to New Zealand’s building legislation are intended to make that option more accessible by allowing certain granny flats of up to 70 m² to be built without a building consent. Read more
Insight / Construction Update on Government National Fuel Plan – 28 April 2026 Following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East in late March, the Government released an updated National Fuel Plan setting out a four-stage framework for managing fuel supply disruptions and prioritising fuel use if shortages intensify. Read more
