Essays published in our members only area
Proportionate Liability, Disproportionate Risk for Homeowners: A Catalyst for a Statutory Duty of Care for Defective Residential Building Work in New Zealand The Judges citation: A meticulously researched and timely analysis of the risks associated with the proportionate liability regime currently reforming the Building Act. The author suggests well-considered safeguards for vulnerable homeowners. The essay is distinguished by its comparative analysis of frameworks from the United Kingdom and New South Wales; thought-provoking perspectives to add to the National discourse on this subject ahead of the upcoming regime shift.
How to train your expert: A proposal for independent expert appointments in construction disputes The Judges citation: A comprehensive, well-researched assessment of limitations of the expert witness function in construction disputes, with pragmatic analysis of international practices and a bold reform proposal. Especially pertinent as construction disputes increasingly become ‘battles between experts’, with parties, their lawyers and decision-makers often inundated by huge volumes of highly technical evidence.
for their joint essay titled Pay Now, Agree to Disagree: Final Offer Adjudication and the Algorithm of Agreement
Public Private Partnerships in Aotearoa New Zealand – Promise or Problem?
Save these dates for when our 1st and 2nd prize winners will be presenting their essays Christchurch Tues 28 July Wellington Wed 29 July Auckland Thurs 30 July registration opening soon
photo: Mike Hanson standing, David Wilkie sitting RHS
Flyer | recording (courtesy of Reflective Construction Law), powerpoint and CPD register in Members Only Area
Flyer | webinar recording (courtesy of Chapman Tripp), powerpoint and CPD register in Members Only Area
The New Zealand Society of Construction Law was formed in 2005 to promote research and education in the field of construction law and a means by which people from throughout the industry could come together to discuss issues relating to construction law. SCL is an interest group not a professional institute. Evidence of professional qualification is not required.
presenting their essays Registration opening soon Christchurch Tues 28 July Wellington Wed 29 July Auckland Thurs 30 July
visit members only for recordings, ppts and CPD
An Analysis of New Zealand's Proposed Building Liability Reforms Following the Introduction of the Bill into Parliament
Flyer introducing our speaker & discussion
Flyer
Flyer |
Lily Kennedy-Perkins Galbraith v Global Metal Solutions Ltd [2026] NZHC 382
Matthew Ferrier Body Corporate 406198 v Argon Construction [2025] NZCA 684
Caleb Smith 𝘕𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘷 𝘕𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘓𝘵𝘥 [2026] NZHC 233
Discussed cases that covered retentions and their status in a liquidation. Termination for delay and defects and whether the director of the builder could also be held personally liable and “An Expert Horror Story”.
Recording (courtesy of Duncan Cotterill), the cases to download (see flyer) and CPD record sheet in Members Only Area
2025 Members Only Area
2024 Members Only Area
2023 Members Only Area
2022 Members Only Area
2021 Members Only Area
2020 Members Only Area
2019 Members Only Area
Preconditions to Arbitration: Supporting Best-For-Project Dispute Resolution
Judge, Jury, and Executioner – Extending Self-Certification Abilities to Trusted Building Practitioners
Our prizewinning essays will be published in our Members Only Area shortly
Visit our Become a Member page for membership benefits, application form and subscription information
SLC(NZ) members can access these papers on the SCL(Intl) website.
Need help accessing the members area of SLC(Intl)?
Contact SCL(NZ) Manager Melanie Whittaker
The New Zealand Society maintains ties with its sister societies in other parts of the world so that members are kept up-to-date about news and upcoming events in the construction industry in those jurisdictions.
New Zealand members have access to papers published on the SCL(International) website.
2019 conference delegates
Transmission Gully site visit
Christchurch Town Hall site visit
The Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct site visit
2021: SCL(NZ) was proud to host the 9th International Society of Construction Law 'Building for Change' Conference
4-5 November 2021
Virtual (due to Covid-19 restrictions international and domestic NZ travel was prohibited), Auckland, New Zealand
9th International Conference Papers and recording
2019: Fundamentals of Construction Law – the project lifecycle - Auckland conference papers
23 July 2019 (preceded by SCL AGM)
Level 5 Lounge, North Stand, Eden Park, Auckland.
This conference covered themed project lifecycle stages of a construction project, from procurement, insurance, performance, to termination and resolving disputes.
2017: Identifying and Managing Obligations, Wellington - Wellington conference papers
15 June 2017: Site Tour - Transmission Gully
16 June 2017: Conference at Te Papa, Wellington (keynote Richard Wilmot-Smith QC of 39 Essex Chambers, London)
2015 : Best Practice Procurement and Contracting in NZ Construction & Infrastructure - Christchurch conference papers
13 August 2015 : City Tour- Key Projects in the Christchurch City Rebuild (photos above)
14 August 2015 : Conference at The Chateau on the Park (photos below)
2014 : When the Contract Gets Dirty – applying the contract to on-site reality - Auckland conference papers
2012 : Construction Law Core Skills Seminar, Fundamental Topics in Construction Law presented by Leading Industry Practitioners - Auckland conference papers