Based in the Bay of Plenty – one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions – we are closely connected to the pace and scale of construction activity shaping the area. With sustained residential, commercial and infrastructure growth, the region presents both opportunity and complexity. We support clients with technically robust, commercially focused advice to deliver projects successfully in this evolving environment.
Our specialist construction team brings together both front-end and back-end expertise. Our front-end advisors assist with the planning, procurement and delivery of construction projects of all sizes. At the other end of the spectrum, our litigation team resolves construction disputes efficiently, with experience across all forms of alternative dispute resolution through to court proceedings.
Our clients include developers, contractors, builders, consultants, and private individuals. Whether the focus is delivering a project, managing contractual risk, or resolving a dispute, we provide clear, strategic advice that reflects the realities of the construction environment.
Our Experience Includes:
Residential
Residential construction is both a significant financial commitment and a highly personal process. We provide clear, practical advice to homeowners and builders at every stage – helping to manage risk, set expectations early and support smooth project delivery.
- Advising on residential building arrangements before work begins, ensuring terms are clear and risks are understood
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating building contracts
- Supporting homeowners through the build process
- Working with builders to strengthen contract frameworks and project practices
- Assisting with variations, delays, payment issues and scope changes as they arise
- Resolving disputes efficiently through negotiation, mediation or other formal processes
Commercial
Commercial construction projects require disciplined risk allocation, careful contract management and timely decision-making. We work alongside developers, contractors and consultants to provide robust advice that supports delivery and protects commercial outcomes.
- Advising on procurement methodologies, including design and build, construct-only and negotiated arrangements
- Drafting and negotiating bespoke and standard form construction contracts (including NZS, FIDIC and other industry forms), with a focus on risk allocation, pricing mechanisms and liability frameworks
- Providing guidance on contract administration, including certification processes, payment claims, payment schedules and compliance with the Construction Contracts Act 2002
- Advising on extensions of time, delay analysis, disruption claims and programme management issues
- Supporting the management of variations, scope changes and compensation events, including entitlement and valuation
- Identifying and mitigating contractual and project risks, including interface risk, design liability and supply chain exposure
- Assisting with defects regimes, practical completion and final account negotiations
- Acting in dispute resolution processes, including adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation
Ken Hawkes
Tauranga
Thomas Refoy-Butler
Tauranga
Joel Murphy
Tauranga
Tim Conder
Tauranga
Hilary Anderson
Tauranga
Montie Baskett
Tauranga