By Fouad El Chikhani| Construction Contracts Specialist & Expert Witness In the world of construction contracts, even small discrepancies can have significant ripple effects. This case study explores how a mismatch…
NZS 3910, New Zealand’s standard form of construction contract, plays a pivotal role in managing risk and change throughout a construction project. A key mechanism within the contract is its…
Construction projects are complex undertakings involving multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and significant financial investments. Despite the best intentions, disputes are common in the construction industry. These conflicts can delay projects,…
Construction projects are complex undertakings involving multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and significant financial investments. Despite the best intentions, disputes are common in the construction industry. These conflicts can delay projects,…
Construction projects are complex undertakings involving multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and significant financial investments. Despite the best intentions, disputes are common in the construction industry. These conflicts can delay projects,…
Delays and disruptions are among the most contentious issues in construction projects, often leading to complex disputes over time extensions, cost entitlements, and responsibility. This post breaks down six common types…
Recent data from the first quarter of 2025 suggests that the steep decline in building activity may be levelling off. While not yet a full recovery, this plateau could indicate…
Construction claims frequently arise from a variety of factors that can disrupt project workflows and financial estimates. Recognizing these common causes is essential for owners, contractors, and project managers, as…
Construction projects are complex endeavors that involve various risks. To mitigate these risks, construction contracts play a crucial role in allocating responsibilities and liabilities among project stakeholders. Effectively managing risk…
Construction projects are complex and involve multiple parties working together towards a common goal. However, even with the best intentions, delays and disruptions are common occurrences in construction projects that…
In construction projects, an expert witness plays a critical role in providing evidence and impartial opinion about an extension of time claim. An extension of time claim is made when…
Delays and disruptions are common in construction projects, and contractors often seek extensions of time to complete their work due to these factors.However, quantifying extension of time claims can be…
Construction projects are complex and involve many parties, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. The success of a construction project is dependent on various factors, including timely completion. However, due…
Construction projects are complex endeavours that involve numerous stakeholders, processes, and resources. While careful planning and project management are key to minimize the risks of delays and disruptions, these events…
According to recent studies and reports, the construction industry in New Zealand is facing a significant rise in claims and disputes due to various factors, including inadequate contract management, poor…
Poor construction planning is a major problem in the construction industry that can lead to a range of issues including delays & disruptions, cost overruns, and even safety hazards. One of…
In today's constantly evolving and ever-changing workplace, having a good work life balance is essential for success and happiness. As more and more people are working from home nowadays, finding a…
Every construction project must have a construction programme, not just because it is a contractual requirement, but because it is an essential planning and management tool (when used correctly) that…
It was my pleasure to be the presenter of the topic "Concurrent Delays and Extension of Time Claims" at the Thomson Reuters NZ Building and Construction Law Seminar (Auckland) on…
It is very obvious, that during the tender period, which is quite often very short and not long enough for the contractors to prepare a fully priced tender, contractors run…
Misunderstandings and disputes are an ongoing and expected part of doing business. However, in some industries, these conflicts can take a more significant toll regarding time and money loss. Construction…
Planning, planning, and re-planning. That’s right! But not the way you are thinking, i.e. not Gant chart and scheduling software, etc. Over the last 20 years of my experience in…
Is the Project Scheduler one person? Is he/she the one that creates the construction programme? Is the Project Scheduler the one to schedule subcontractors, material deliveries etc. Should the scheduler be…
What is the standard supporting evidence required when preparing EOT claims? Major construction contracts, in particular, the NZ General Conditions of Contract NZS3910:2003 and 2013 do not specify the records required…
Should the Engineer to the Contract be obliged to Accept and/or Reject a construction programme? In continuation of my previous tips (click here to read the last tip), here is another…
Fouad had the pleasure of participating in the last episode of the New Zealand Master Builder’s podcast discussing how to set projects up for success and avoid disputes. The top three…
Who owns the float? Most construction disputes occur due to ambiguities and lack of understanding of rights and obligations under a Construction Contract. For example; if the contract does not specify who…
Which Programme to use when preparing or assessing an Extension of Time claim? I have previously talked about ambiguities in the contract that lead to disputes (click here to read the…
Before Lockdown -Do you know what was the status of your project? (Time and $) -Were your resources as per tendered methodology? -What records do you have to substantiate your…
Re-building during lockdown! Would the government consider a concurrent sector specific coronavirus alert system? 80% of construction is in the residential market Will the government talk to developers and offer some kind…
In light of the latest announcement by the government in raising the Alert to Level 4, New Zealand will be going through very rough period and particularly the construction industry. The…
Why developers and contractors end up in disputes? Check out our video! Click here to know more about our Claims & Disputes Services By FC international Ltd© Copyright 2019…
FC International was nominated and awarded the "Top 10 Construction Technology Consulting/Services Companies 2019" in the Asia-Pacific region. The reward is being recognized and published by APAC CIO Outlook, an…
It is great to see that the construction industry is finally catching up with technology to minimise inefficiencies and costs overrun. The majority of the disputes that I have been…
When we hear the term ‘concurrent delays’, we automatically get dragged into a grey area of debate and case laws. From my perspective, it all depends on how we interpret…
I read a very interesting article last week which appeared on www.brinknews.com talking about the changes which are afoot across the global construction industry. These initiatives, in my opinion, are…
By John Beveridge, If you're wondering how it is possible NZ's biggest building company is struggling to make ends meet in the middle of a building boom, you are not alone. It…
The CFMEU has made explosive comments at a recent hearing of the Senate inquiry into non-conforming building products. In his testimony earlier this month, Travis Wacey of the CFMEU alleged…
A recent High Court decision has highlighted once again the importance of ensuring experts are aware of and comply with their duties to the court. It also demonstrates the potential…
—Drafting to Affirm the Former and Avoid the Latter (This article was first published in Lexology USA, July 10 2017) Agreed damages provisions are a staple of many commercial contracts. But as…
(This article was first published in The Australian on Friday, 03 February 2017) When a major airport in Germany, a country known for its efficiency, is seven years behind schedule you…
A recent ruling holds implications for liquidated damages clauses. Chris Bridges reports. On 4 November 2015 the UK Supreme Court handed down judgment in the consolidated appeals of Cavendish Square Holding…
Australian construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than from an accident at work, according to a new report. Each year 169 construction workers die by suicide,…
Vinci subsidiaries Electrix and Citeos IDF Exploitation have won a four-year contract to maintain urban lighting in Auckland, New Zealand. The four-year contract covers the operation, maintenance and renewal of lighting…
BAM Deutschland has won a €15m (£10.7m) contract to build a hotel in Berlin for development company Am Postbahnhof. It is being built for Meininger, an international chain of budget hotels.…
Amendments to the Construction Contracts Act passed in Parliament yesterday. These changes will affect everyone in the construction industry, from principals to head contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers and quantity surveyors. Key…
Colas has launched a new type of road surfacing that acts as a giant solar panel to produce renewable energy. Wattway - described as ‘the Solar Road’ - is the fruit…
Key Points: Even if a contract states that no liquidated damages are payable to a party for a delay, that party may still be entitled to claim damages at common law. A…
Aucklanders are about to endure a "five-year nightmare", says Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett, as work starts on a raft of major jobs, including the New Zealand International…
A multi-million pound fit-out of the new London office Saatchi & Saatchi is incorporating the innovative Rehau CoolBoard chilled ceiling system. Above: Rehau CoolBoard chilled ceiling system ISG is contractor for…
NZ Transport Agency has awarded McConnell Dowell Constructors the design and build contract for a two-lane bridge at Kawarau Falls. McConnell Dowell has teamed up with Novare Design for the design. The…
Work has started on the $50 million McKenzie and Willis development in Christchurch's Innovation Precinct, as more businesses sign up to move in next year. The complex of three buildings around…
NZ Transport Agency has appointed Cimic subsidiary Leighton Contractors to design and construct the Southern Corridor Improvements (SCI) project in Auckland. The project will generate revenue of approximately NZ$192m (£81m) for…
Dubai’s ruler has launched a 3.67 million square metre development that will include the 711-metre tall Dubai One residential tower. Meydan One will become home to more than 78,300 residents. As…
BRE Academy is to collaborate with research, testing and information company Branz to deliver building information modelling (BIM) training in New Zealand. Branz will deliver BIM training courses as a host…
Hong Kong’s government has expressed “grave concern” that the Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Shenzhen Express Rail Link project will now incur cost overruns of more than 30%. The Mass Transit Railway Corporation's latest assessment…
Vinci has finalised the acquisition of New Zealand contractor HEB Construction. Above: Previous HEB projects include the Atiamuri Bridge HEB operates in across a range of areas including civils work, structures,…
SAO PAULO/BRAZIL, July 2, 2015 - The SP-070, also known as the Ayrton Senna Highway, is another motorway in Brazil where the time-saving, cost-efficient and eco-friendly benefits of the cold…
WEISSENHORN/GERMANY, June 8, 2015 – Renovation or construction work on existing buildings offers great challenges for the stakeholders. Formwork and scaffolding technology provider Peri offers unique solutions for different situations…
Content sourced from MBIE As at 19 December 2014 the MBIE received 7,115 WHRS claims lodged for 11,224 properties. The Weathertight Service has completed 14,511 property assessments (some owners request more…
Amendments to the Construction Contracts Act are due to be passed in Parliament soon and to come into effect from July 1. Peter Degerholm, a Wellington-based dispute resolution consultant and construction…
Owners of Orewa apartment tower the Nautilus have won $25.07 million, the largest amount awarded to leaky building owners in New Zealand. Christine Meechan QC, Tim Rainey, Georgina Grant and Jeanne…
Ports of Auckland is proceeding with two huge wharf extensions, despite public protests, a political call to halt work and a legal challenge against consents for the work. Ports chairman Graeme…
The NZI Centre in Auckland has achieved 5.5 stars out of 6 under the NABERSNZ energy rating scheme – a half-star improvement on its previous rating. It is the first…
Big traffic and public transport challenges face downtown Auckland from construction starting in less than a year for the $2.5 billion underground railway to Mt Eden. Auckland Transport disclosed yesterday that…
Faced with a growing government appetite for public private partnerships (PPPs), local construction companies need to evolve their traditional business thinking, embrace the process and, most pertinently, understand how to…
Supermarket giant Countdown has released plans for a new $35 million supermarket for Waiheke Island to replace a small, existing store. Adrian Walker, Countdown's property general manager, said work on the…
First-home buyers and property investors are jumping at a new residential offering in the fast-growing Auckland suburb of Albany, in a project that is designed by Kiwis, but funded from…
The Causeway Alliance is currently raising and widening the Northwestern Motorway in Auckland as part of the Western Ring Route road of national significance – but an unexpected find last…
With a recovering economy and the numbers of issued building consents continuing to rise, it is timely for contractors and developers to reflect on their obligations under the Resource Management…
Auckland Council and commercial landlord Precinct Properties have struck a deal to allow the City Rail Link tunnels to run beneath a $550 million, 36-level downtown office and shopping tower. Mayor…
It’s no secret that the construction sector in New Zealand is powering ahead with projects of all sizes. But when taking a closer look, there is work to be done…
Arch Hill residents have won concessions from big-box retailer Bunnings in an attempt to minimise the effects of the controversial new store on their Auckland neighbourhood. Nearby houses will be checked…
Scaffolding has been taken down before work is completed on what was promoted as Auckland's newest five-star luxury hotel. All the steel form work was stripped off the high-rise ex-Reserve…
Architect Frank Gehry says he'll never again design a building quite like the "crumpled paper bag" which officially opened at Sydney's University of Technology yesterday. The Dr Chau Chak Wing…
By Jamie Morton of NZ Herald Coromandel's mayor is urging people to share their views on plans for a subdivision next to world-renowned New Chum Beach. Thames-Coromandel District Council is giving…
Last September work re-started on the ‘Soho’ project in Ponsonby, Auckland. The scheme had come to a halt some years back, leaving a gaping chasm in the landscape. Construction is…
Article by Corrie Cook for Construction News Auckland’s history is littered with failed public transport schemes, including ‘Robbie’s rapid rail’ – the Auckland Rapid Rail Transit Plan of the 1970s. Fifty…
By Wes Simmons of Global Construction When a company communicates effectively internally, it is far more likely to provide effective and unified communications to external organisations. It was the American business writer…
FC International got on site with Habitat for Humanity out in South Auckland. A day of building, digging, lifting and letting us all loose with the power tools was a…
Te Papa ?t?karo/Avon River Precinct is an anchor project in the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan and is in response to the public's call for the river to be more of…
A study by international law firm Pinsent Masons and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) suggests that China will be investing $169bn (£105bn) in UK property and infrastructure…
Statistics New Zealand releases key facts and figures regarding September building consents. Download the PDF here. …
As well as trenches and pipes, SCIRT crews have also been repairing retaining walls around the Port Hills – and a small publicly-owned one on Mt Pleasant was recently completed…
A set of universal hand signals, for adoption wherever lifting operations take place in building or construction, has been published, making those operations safer and more efficient. WEB EXCLUSIVE ISO…
SKYCITY Entertainment Group has revealed plans to build a new hotel and pedestrian laneway of bars, restaurants and boutique shopping on land it owns in the Nelson and Hobson Streets…
One of the government’s RoNS (roads of national significance) is setting new benchmarks in environmental sustainability and collaboration between a major government agency, a local authority and outside contractors. The…
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