2026 Essay Prize Winners

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Congratulations to our Society of Construction Law 2026 Essay Prize Winners

 

First Place: Nate Wain

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.
essay

 

Second Place: Amanda Joshua

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.
essay

 

Third Place – Recommended for Publication: Oscar Read and Ria Shon

for their joint essay titled
Pay Now, Agree to Disagree: Final Offer Adjudication and the Algorithm of Agreement
essay

 

Recommended for Publication: Laura Canton

Public Private Partnerships in Aotearoa New Zealand – Promise or Problem?
essay

 


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