| Ford Sumner Lawyers

Regulatory Changes Underfoot: What Flooring Pros Need to Know About the Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Bill

New Zealand’s construction sector is undergoing a significant regulatory update that will impact all contractors, suppliers and manufacturers, including those in the flooring industry.

Small Homes, Big Opportunities: What the Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Bill Means for Contractors

New Zealand’s construction sector is undergoing a significant regulatory update that will impact all homeowners, contractors, architects and insurers.

Keep the cash flowing – tips to get paid – Part 2

Cashflow is king for any small contractor — yet late payments or clients who don’t pay at all can cripple your business.

Christmas Special: Employment law tips for the holiday season

As the festive season approaches, it’s the perfect time for employers to start planning, not just for a well-earned break, but for the unique workplace issues that can arise at this time of year.

Keep the Cash Flowing – Tradie Tips to Get Paid – Part 1

Cashflow is king for any contractor — yet late payments, unclear terms, or clients who don’t pay at all can cripple your business. A good contract is your first line of defence. Here are practical tips to help you lock in better contract terms and get paid on time, every time.

Big Win for Subcontractors on Retentions

The High Court of New Zealand has delivered a landmark ruling in Burt & Ors v Grant [2025] NZHC 2486, and it is great news for subcontractors who’ve had retentions withheld.

Contractual Risks in Construction Subcontracts – the 10 Red Flags

Gone are the days when a Subcontractor can simply put its contract in a drawer and rely on its good relationship with a main contractor or developer to ensure that a project runs smoothly, and it gets paid at the end.

Retentions Must Be Returned - The High Court Confirms

Retentions under a subcontract are held on trust by the head contractor for the benefit of the subcontractor. If retentions are withheld, contingent on anything other than the subcontractor’s performance, they must be released immediately, as this is considered void and unenforceable.

Duty to Warn: When is a contractor is responsible for design choices made by an owner?

A duty to warn is when a party may be held liable for damage or loss caused to another where the party had an opportunity to warn the other of the issues and failed to do so.

Tradie Law is excited to extend our partnership with the Wellington Rugby Football Union for 2024!

Tradie Law is excited to announce the extension of our partnership with the Wellington Rugby Football Union for 2024

All News