Areas of Practice

CONSTRUCTION ADJUDICATION /

​Under the Construction Contract Act 2002 ("CCA"), any party who has a dispute or difference with the other party arising from that contract can refer the dispute to adjudication.

I accept appointments as Adjudicator directly or through the following CCA Authorised Nominating Authority. 

• Adjudicators Association of New Zealand (AANZ)
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Fair Way Resolution (Fair Way)
• Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ)

​​​Note that there are time limits in the Act for the appointment of adjudicator.

​I have adequate knowledge and understanding of various primary and secondary legislation including but not restricted to the NZ Building Act 2004 and Building Code; Construction Contracts Act 2002, Construction Contracts Regulations 2003 and the Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015.

I also have a good understanding and practical knowledge of various international legislations such as UK Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996; and The Scheme for Construction Contracts (England and Wales) Regulations 1998 and its amendments.

ARBITRATION /

I accept appointments as an Arbitrator directly in all types of commercial disputes or through the following institutions:

• Chartered Instiute or Arbitrators (CIArb)
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Fair Way Resolution (Fair Way)
• Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ)

​I provide effective and timely determination of disputes using agreed procedures.

Note that the arbitration can be ad hoc or adminstered by an institution (i.e., CIArb, NZDRC, ICC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, PDRCI, etc.),

I have a good practical knowledge of the Arbitration Act 1996 for Domestic Abitration and various international legislations such as the Arbitration Act 1996 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland); and Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010. I adhere to the need for total confidentiality and impartiality.

MEDIATION /

I accept appointments as Mediator directly in all types of commercial disputes or through the following institutions:

• Chartered Instiute or Arbitrators (CIArb)
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Fair Way Resolution (Fair Way)
• ​Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ)

Equipped with the knowledge I gained from training with ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) and years of experience in the industry - I can assist you with a speedy, confidential and less adversarial settlement of your dispute - preserving your commercial relationship.

EXPERT DETERMINATION /

I accept appointments as Expert Determiner to resolve disputes consensually. My appointments can be made directly or through Rawlinsons Limited at 0800 729 546.

This process is a simple means of providing a determination binding to the parties.  It is a consensual process agreed by the parties to refer matters in dispute to an independent person to decide without involving the formalities of arbitration or litigation. It is more controlled by the parties and can assist in preserving business relationships.

EXPERT WITNESS /

​I accept appointments as Expert Witness directly or through Rawlinsons. You may contact Rawlinsons Limited Office directly at 0800 729 546.

My specialisation includes design/engineering and construction claims, strategic procurement, quantum issues, delays and disruption, loss and expense, and extensions of time. I adhere to the need for total impartiality, and exercise independent and professional judgement.

DRAFTING DISPUTE RESOLUTION CLAUSES /

The most overlooked and sometimes neglected part when drafting a building contract is the dispute resolution clauses. Sometimes you intend to commence the building work full of hope that it will progress smoothly, but in the end, will end up facing several disputes and shortcomings.

Sometimes a bespoke set of dispute resolution provisions is needed. Particularly where the parties wish to take a different approach to dispute resolution. For example, trying to resolve matters through negotiation, then mediation and then moving on to other forms of dispute resolution such as expert determination or arbitration, if the matter is not resolved at the negotiation and mediation stage.

DRAFTING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT /

The way construction contract is drafted will always be dependent from the parties intention and is constantly in flux until agreed, so parties must adapt quickly. I strive to anticipate these changes so you can focus more on your goals, whether you are a developer/owner building your dream investment or a contractor aiming to get the job done. I draft and negotiate bespoke construction agreements. Tailoring each contract according to a project’s scope, size, and budget.

REPRESENTATION /

I will work with you directly to understand what your requirements are. My flexible approach to representing your interests will ensure that your needs are met in efficient and cost effective manner. I am available to provide a full-service representation in all engineering and construction disputes resolution forum, whether adjudication or arbitration, except in litigation, including:

• research and analysis of your legal position;
• preparing submissions;
• representing you in mediations or settlement negotiations; and
• representing you in adjudication and arbitration hearings.​

Sometimes, clients have an in-house legal team that deals with some aspects of the proceedings. As the need arises, I am also available to act as a consultant or adviser in any engineering and construction disputes.​

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