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.

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

27/05/2026

For flooring contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers, a major regulatory shift is on the way in New Zealand’s construction sector.

A new Amendment Bill will streamline the use of overseas building products by recognising approved international certification schemes, making it easier to demonstrate compliance with the NZ Building Code.

The change promises faster approvals, reduced red tape, and improved access to overseas flooring products amid ongoing supply pressures.

But it’s not without risk - including product suitability in NZ conditions, liability exposure, and challenges with offshore suppliers.

This article unpacks what’s changing, what it means for the flooring industry, and the risks to watch.

Read the full article here - https://tradielaw.co.nz/tradie-law/resources/2026-01-01regulatory-changes-underfoot-what-flooring-pros-need-to-know-about-the-building-overseas-building-products-standards-and-certification-schemes-amendment-bill.html

20/05/2026

Hiring staff, but unsure if you’ve got your paperwork sorted? ⚠️

One wrong step in employment law can cost you time, money, and stress.

Our Employment Legal Package covers it all:
- Contracts done right
- Clear policies in place
- Support when you need it

No guesswork. No loose ends. Just a solid setup so you can run your crew with confidence.

👉 Get started here: https://tradielaw.co.nz/tradie-law/employment-package/

14/05/2026

For many contractors right now, the biggest risk isn’t just rising costs - it’s being locked into fixed-price contracts while fuel and freight prices surge.

With geopolitical instability driving volatility, margin pressure is building fast. Understanding where you stand, contractually and commercially, is critical to protecting your position.

In our latest article, Rebecca Richter explains the key pathways available, from identifying potential cost recovery provisions to using your leverage to negotiate where contracts fall short.

Read the full article here - https://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-05-06-when-the-price-no-longer-stacks-up-how-nz-contractors-can-deal-with-fuel-and-freight-disruption.html

13/05/2026

Got a team but no clear rules? That’s a risk.

Workplace policies aren’t just paperwork. They keep your crew on the same page and protect your business when things go wrong.

No policies = confusion, inconsistency, and avoidable problems.

The good news? They don’t need to be complicated. Just clear, relevant, and easy to follow.

Our guide breaks down what you actually need.

👉 Get it sorted, read our guide herehttps://tradielaw.co.nz/files/tradielaw/factsheets/tl-factsheet-11---workplace-policies.pdf

08/05/2026

For many contractors in 2026, the greatest tendering risk isn’t losing work - it’s winning work that doesn’t stack up.

From underpricing and cost escalation to unfavourable contract terms and prolonged tender processes, risk is increasingly embedded long before construction starts. Understanding these risks at tender stage is critical to avoiding margin erosion and downstream disputes.

We explore the biggest tendering risks for New Zealand contractors in 2026 and why sometimes, saying “no” is the strongest commercial decision.

Read the full article here - https://tradielaw.co.nz/tradie-law/resources/what-are-the-biggest-tendering-risks-for-contractors-in-new-zealand-in-2026.html

28/04/2026

Thinking about setting up a Trust?

A Trust isn’t just paperwork. Done right, it can protect your assets, support your family, and future-proof your business.

Done wrong… it can cause more headaches than it solves.

👉 Read more about what a Trust is, who’s involved, and whether it’s right for you at:https://tradielaw.co.nz/files/tradielaw/factsheets/tl-factsheet-27---should-i-establish-a-trust.pdf

Know a tradie who’s thinking long-term? Send this their way.

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24/04/2026

Still waiting on unpaid invoices? You’ve got more power than you think. 💡

Too many tradies write off old debts. But if it’s under 6 years old, you can still chase it properly.

The key? Using the ‘Construction Contracts Act’ the right way. Get your payment claim right, and it’s “pay now, argue later”.

Don’t leave money on the table. Take charge and get paid.

👉 Read our guide now: https://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-01-01-keep-the-cash-flowing-tradie-tips-to-get-paid-part-2.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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