Focus Industry

Construction

Summary

The construction industry is dynamic and complex, requiring legal expertise that can adapt to changing circumstances and deliver practical solutions. Whether you are involved in developments, building, specialist subtrades, design, or project management, you need a legal partner who understands your business and the challenges you face.

At Anthony Harper, we have a dedicated team of construction lawyers who have extensive experience in all aspects of construction law. We work with clients across the entire construction spectrum, from owners, developers, consultants, contractors and sub-contractors, to help them achieve their goals and protect their interests. We advise on a range of construction projects, from commercial and residential developments to hotels, sporting facilities and tourism ventures, to quarrying, roading, water, and large infrastructure projects.

Key services

Contract structure, drafting and negotiation

Assisting with selecting the best contract structure for projects, drafting clear and effective contracts that suit our clients' needs and objectives, and negotiating favourable and sensible terms and conditions with the other parties involved. We have experience with various types of contracts, including design-build, build only, target outturn cost, alliances, public private partnerships (PPPs) and design build and operate, and familiarity with all major forms of template contracts used in New Zealand.

Dispute resolution services

We provide comprehensive dispute resolution services to our clients, covering all aspects of construction litigation including arbitration, mediation and adjudication. We have expertise in handling complex and technical disputes, involving contractual claims, variations, extensions of time, payment and enforcement, defects and remedial works, and professional negligence. We aim to resolve disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner, while preserving the commercial relationships between the parties.

Supply and tender documentation

Preparing and reviewing supply and tender documents, ensuring that they comply with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements, and that they reflect the scope, quality and risk allocation of the project. We also advise on tender processes and strategies, and assist with resolving any disputes or issues that may arise during or after the tender stage.

Project finance, management and environmental issues

Advising on the financial, operational and environmental aspects of construction projects, including securing funding, managing cash flow, complying with health and safety standards, obtaining consents and permits, and dealing with environmental impacts and remediation. We have expertise in public private partnerships (PPPs) and alliance models, as well as resource management and planning issues.

Key people

Work Highlights

Acting for the design-build joint venture between The Fletcher Construction Company and Acciona Infrastructure New Zealand on the Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway, a major PPP project that delivered a new 18.5km four-lane motorway in Auckland.
Advising the Body Corporate of St Lukes Garden Apartments in respect of the $60 million remedial works project.
Acting for Emmons Developments on the reinstatement of the former Rydges hotel in Cathedral Square, Christchurch.
Acting for Devo Homes Limited and its director and project manager, as defendants in a High Court proceeding relating to construction work performed on a high-end residential home renovation.
Acting for KiwiRail on the (now suspended) upgrade of the Interislander ferry terminals in Wellington and Picton.
Acting for Ninety-Four Feet on the Hotel Indigo development, Auckland CBD.
Advising Southbase Construction on the new outpatient building at Dunedin Hospital.