Tradie Law

Welcome to TradieLaw, a division of Ford Sumner dedicated to providing legal services to trade businesses. We ‘get’ tradies and the many demands on your time.

TradieLaw is powered by a team of great lawyers at Ford Sumner. We understand the unique aspects of setting up and running a trade business and all of the challenges that come with managing a team and delivering great work to customers. We take care of the legal stuff so you can get on with what you do best. So get in touch with us to find out how we can support you and your business. Imagine more time to manage your projects, supply issues and valuable time onsite with your team.

24/07/2026

New Zealand's construction sector is facing its biggest shake-up in over 20 years.

The Building Amendment Bill proposes the most significant overhaul of the Building Act since 2004 and the headline change is a shift from joint and several liability to proportionate liability. Each party would only be liable for the share of loss attributable to their own conduct, aligning NZ with a model Australia has used for three decades.

Other key changes:

• Home warranties for eligible new residential builds (one-year defect + 10-year structural cover)
• Mandatory PI insurance for design professionals on qualifying $100k+ projects
• Faster consenting, a 10-day fast-track for eligible sustainable builds
• New penalties, up to $150,000 for warranty non-compliance

The select committee reports by 30 December 2026, with changes potentially in force from early 2027.

Get your contracts, insurance and risk cover sorted before it lands. Full breakdown on our site: https://tradielaw.co.nz/tradie-law/resources/2026-07-23--building-amendment-bill.html

21/07/2026

Thinking about sending someone home from work? Don’t rush this one.

Suspension isn’t a punishment. It’s a legal tool to manage risk while you sort things out.

You need:
- A good reason (not just frustration)
- A fair process
- The right contract or policy in place

Get it wrong, and it can turn into a personal grievance fast. Get it right, and you protect your crew and your business.

Read more here:https://tradielaw.co.nz/files/tradielaw/factsheets/tl-factsheet-14---suspending-an-employee.pdf

16/07/2026

Ford Sumner Lawyers Partner, Jaesen Sumner and Senior Associate, Rebecca Richter were recently featured in this BusinessDesk article discussing the contractual and payment challenges facing subcontractors in New Zealand's construction sector.

The article also highlights the contract law training delivered through Master Electricians New Zealand , where Jaesen and Rebecca help members build a stronger understanding of their rights and obligations when negotiating and managing construction contracts. Exploring common contract risks, recent legal developments affecting retentions, and the protections available under the Construction Contracts Act, the article reinforces the value of being proactive and informed when managing commercial risk.

Read the full article here: https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/opinion/subbies-staunch-up-over-construction-sector-bad-behaviour

08/07/2026

Hiring a new construction worker? Here’s how to get it right.

Trial periods can protect your business, but you’ll need:
- The right clause in the contract (before they start)
- Clear wording on the time period covered
- Proper notice if things don’t work out

Get it wrong, and the protection disappears fast. Get it right, and you’ve got room to test the fit without the legal stress.

👉 Learn more:https://tradielaw.co.nz/files/tradielaw/factsheets/tl-factsheet-8---trial-periods.pdf

Know someone hiring right now? Send this their way.

03/07/2026

We're thrilled to wrap up the 2025/26 NZ Sports Car Series with Team Atomise! 🏁

A mid-season switch to the Open class Juno CN v6 proved to be the right call, delivering a 3rd place round trophy at Manfield and an impressive 2nd place finish at Hampton Downs. It's been a strong end to the season, with plenty to look forward to.

Check out the links below to see Juno CN v6 in action, complete with a nod to Tradie Law on every lap.

🎬 Feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6VLCjzD7f4&t=9s

🎥 Onboard footage: https://youtu.be/uaO7PxOQm7Q?si=SpA0EGptnYfVB2o9

26/06/2026

Hiring staff, but don’t have your contracts sorted? ⚠️

One bad employment setup can turn into a legal headache fast.

Our Employment Package covers the lot:
- Contracts and offers done properly
- Key workplace policies in place
- Contractor agreements when you need them
- Support when questions come up

No gaps. No guesswork. Just a solid setup so you can hire and run your crew with confidence.

👉 Find out more: https://tradielaw.co.nz/tradie-law/employment-package/

24/06/2026

Still chasing money you’ve already earned? ⚠️

Even a few overdue payments can threaten your business's survival.

Tradie Pay helps you:
- Send proper payment claims
- Push for fast recovery under the law
- Take action when they still don’t pay

It’s a simple, structured way to get your cash flow back on track.

👉 See how it works: https://tradielaw.co.nz/tradie-law/services/tradie-pay/

Don’t let unpaid work sit there. Share this with someone who’s waiting to get paid.

11/06/2026

Many contractors assume their liability ends once the job is finished, but under New Zealand law, responsibility for supplied materials can continue for years after completion. Even where a contractor did not manufacture or design the product, and can still impose liability if materials fail, are defective, or are not fit for purpose.

In our latest article, Rebecca Richter explains the hidden risks for builders, electricians, plumbers, and other trades, and outlines the practical steps contractors can take to reduce exposure to costly material-related claims.

Read more here: https://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-04-22-are-contractors-liable-for-defective-building-materials-in-new-zealand.html

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05/06/2026

Thinking about suspending an employee? Read this first.

Suspension isn’t a quick fix. You’ll need:
- A real reason (not just frustration)
- A fair process
- The right terms in your agreement

Done right, it protects your team and your business. Done wrong, it can lead to a personal grievance.

Get the facts before you act:https://tradielaw.co.nz/files/tradielaw/factsheets/tl-factsheet-14---suspending-an-employee.pdf

28/05/2026

Taking on an EPC contract? Know what you’re signing up for⚠️

EPC is growing fast in NZ. One contract sounds simple… but the risk is on you:

- Fixed price pressure
- Strict performance targets
- Big liability if things slip

Get it right, and you’ve got control. Get it wrong, and it can hit hard.

👉 Read what EPC really means for your business:https://tradielaw.co.nz/tradie-law/resources/the-rise-of-epc-in-new-zealand-infrastructure.html

Address

Level 7, 45 Johnston Street
Wellington
6011

Opening Hours

Monday

8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+6449103200

Website

http://tradielaw.co.nz/

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