AMINZ Construction Day 2025 is dedicated to exploring the latest developments, challenges, and innovations in construction dispute resolution.

The programme brings together industry leaders, legal experts, and ADR professionals for a full day of practical learning, discussion, and networking.

Highlights include:

Updates on national and global trends shaping the construction sector.

Practical insights from those working on projects, contracts, and disputes.

Discussions on recent legislative and case law developments.

Sessions exploring cultural perspectives, innovation, and the role of emerging technology, including AI, in construction.

The day closes with networking, offering the chance to connect with peers and industry leaders.

Whether you work as an adjudicator, lawyer, engineer, quantity surveyor, or project manager, AMINZ Construction Day offers valuable insights and connections to strengthen your practice in construction dispute resolution.

Register today

Date: Wednesday 19 November
Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: Grand Millennium Auckland
Address: 71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street

CPD: 4 points

Member:
In person $395 inc GST
Online $315 inc GST

Member pricing is available to all association members, including those from SCL, the NZ Institute of Building Surveyors, and Building Institute Aotearoa.

Non member
In person $465.00 inc GST
Online $380 inc GST

Programme

Discover how national and international trends are shaping the sector, informed by experiences from real projects, contracts, and disputes.
Proportionate Liability in New Zealand: A Building Surveyor and Expert Witness Perspective
Session Overview:
This session explores the evolving landscape of proportionate liability in New Zealand, through the lens of a Building Surveyor and Expert Witness. It will provide attendees with a practical understanding of how this legal framework is shaping professional responsibilities and dispute resolution in the construction sector.
In 30 years there has been a substantial increase in construction mediation mainly due to what became known as the leaky building crisis. The 30 years can be divided into 3 parts each influenced by different circumstances. So what are the lessons that can be learnt and are we really getting better at mediating construction disputes? A significant factor to consider is how communication is often siloed leaving voids of understanding and resulting in unintended outcomes.
This session will make recommendations to close gaps in communication and make a more effective mediated outcome for all parties.
This session explores how time operates within construction contracts and the legal frameworks that govern delay. It will examine how risk for delay is allocated between principals and contractors, and the remedies available when time-related obligations are not met. The discussion will cover the nature of delay claims, and the contractual mechanisms used to manage and resolve those claims. Particular attention will be given to the role of liquidated damages and extension of time provisions, including in the context of contract termination. Drawing on recent case law and commentary, the session will offer practical insights into how parties can better allocate risk and structure remedies through effective drafting and dispute resolution.
Explore how different culture, values and communication styles influence contract interpretation, negotiation, and dispute resolution in the construction industry.
The panel will discuss:
- Real-life perspectives from practitioners working across diverse cultural contexts — including Māori, Pasifika, Asian, and Western frameworks.
- How cultural assumptions shape concepts such as “fairness,” “trust,” and “risk” within contracts.
- The impact of language and translation in multi-cultural contracting and dispute processes.
- How construction professionals, adjudicators, and lawyers can better integrate cultural awareness into contract drafting and administration.
- Discussion on moving from compliance to understanding — how a culturally informed approach can lead to better project outcomes and relationships.
- Audience Q&A and reflection: What practical steps can we take to make New Zealand’s construction contracting landscape more culturally inclusive?
More details to come.