Ford Sumner Lawyers

Ford Sumner Lawyers Ford Sumner specialise in corporate, commercial, dispute resolution and employment, we deliver the b

Jaesen Sumner and Rebecca Richter were pleased to present to Master Electricians New Zealand members in Christchurch rec...
11/06/2026

Jaesen Sumner and Rebecca Richter were pleased to present to Master Electricians New Zealand members in Christchurch recently. The session provided an update on construction contracts, with a focus on the current retentions regime and practical steps contractors can take to better protect their businesses.

The presentation also covered key “red flags” in construction contracts, highlighting what to look out for to reduce risk and avoid being caught in the fallout of construction company collapses. It was a great opportunity to equip attendees with practical tools and strategies to manage risk and strengthen their contractual position.

The Court of Appeal’s decision in is a significant development for businesses operating through trust structures. The ru...
27/05/2026

The Court of Appeal’s decision in is a significant development for businesses operating through trust structures. The ruling confirms that trusts, and trustees acting collectively, can be prosecuted under the HSWA - with important implications for farms, family businesses, and commercial operations relying on trusts for governance and asset protection.

Our latest article breaks down what the decision means in practice, including the potential exposure of trust assets, trustee responsibilities, and the governance steps businesses should be taking now.

Find out more here: https://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-05-21-court-of-appeal-clarifies-hswa-liability-for-trusts-and-trustees.html

For flooring contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers, a major regulatory shift is on the way in New Zealand’s construc...
15/05/2026

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://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-01-01-regulatory-changes-underfoot-what-flooring-pros-need-to-know-about-the-building-overseas-building-products-standards-and-certification-schemes-amendment-bill.html

"For many contractors right now, the biggest risk isn’t just rising costs - it’s being locked into fixed-price contracts...
13/05/2026

"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

For many contractors in 2026, the greatest tendering risk isn’t losing work - it’s winning work that doesn’t stack up.Fr...
07/05/2026

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://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-04-20-cwhat-are-the-biggest-tendering-risks-for-contractors-in-new-zealand-in-2026.html

Your commercial contracts deserve more than a signature.At Ford Sumner , we work with businesses every day on the deals ...
05/05/2026

Your commercial contracts deserve more than a signature.

At Ford Sumner , we work with businesses every day on the deals that matter most, from supply terms and licensing agreements to distribution, agency, and outsourcing arrangements.

Whether you need a contract drafted from scratch, a tricky clause interpreted, or a deal negotiated on your behalf, our commercial law team brings the knowledge and experience to protect your interests and move things forward.

Clear advice. Practical outcomes. No unnecessary complexity.

If commercial legal support is on your radar, we'd love to have a conversation: https://www.fsl.nz/contact/

Today’s privacy changes may affect more than your policy - it may affect your contracts too. Privacy compliance is chang...
01/05/2026

Today’s privacy changes may affect more than your policy - it may affect your contracts too.

Privacy compliance is changing today. With IPP 3A now in force, organisations that collect personal information indirectly may need to take reasonable steps to tell people their information has been collected - what for, who it will be shared with, and how they can access or correct it.

These changes are already flowing through to core industry documents. TLANZ and REINZ have released an updated standard Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate that reflects the new privacy landscape (alongside several practical updates for modern conveyancing).

If you deal with customer data, contracts, property transactions, or compliance, check out our updates:

Article 1: What IPP 3A means in practice when personal information is collected indirectly - https://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-04-10-closing-the-gap-new-privacy-obligations-for-indirect-collection-of-personal-information-under-ipp-3a.html

Article 2: The key changes to the updated Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate, and what to watch for - https://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-05-01-the-new-standard-key-changes-to-the-agreement-for-sale-and-purchase-of-real-estate.html

Reach out if you would like to discuss what these updates mean for your organisation or next transaction.


A High Court decision has reinforced just how powerful land covenants can be in stopping proposed subdivisions, especial...
29/04/2026

A High Court decision has reinforced just how powerful land covenants can be in stopping proposed subdivisions, especially when neighbours’ views, lifestyle, and property values are on the line.

Whether you’re a developer or property owner, this case highlights the critical importance of due diligence and understanding your rights.

Read more and see what it could mean for you: https://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-01-01-property-owners-view-preserved-through-court-upholding-covenant.html

Is your workplace still set up for success as we move into the colder seasons?In this issue, we take a practical look at...
28/04/2026

Is your workplace still set up for success as we move into the colder seasons?

In this issue, we take a practical look at whether your current employment arrangements are still fit for purpose and where risks might be quietly building.

Here’s what we’re covering:
• Are your trial periods actually protecting you?
• Do your fixed-term agreements still stack up legally?
• Has remote and hybrid work become an expectation rather than a perk?
• Does your paperwork reflect how work really gets done?
• Key law change: No personal grievance claims for employees earning over $200k
• Proposed change: Mutual agreements to end employment

A quick check now could save serious issues later.

Click here to find out more: https://www.fsl.nz/insights/news/the-good-employer.html

Rent arrears don’t just add up, they snowball. The High Court’s decision in James Ward Trustee Company Limited v Jarm sh...
22/04/2026

Rent arrears don’t just add up, they snowball.

The High Court’s decision in James Ward Trustee Company Limited v Jarm shows how $85k in unpaid rent quickly escalated into lease cancellations and over $31k in legal costs and interest.

Click here to read more: https://www.fsl.nz/insights/legal-updates/2026-01-01-a-rent-payment-in-time-saves-nine-court-gives-reminder-of-the-consequence-of-putting-off-rent.html

Ford Sumner regularly assists clients across all areas of commercial leasing. If you’re concerned about paying rent or need guidance on wider leasing matters, get in touch with our commercial team to discuss your options: https://www.fsl.nz/contact/

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