Hazelton LAW started in 2000 and is a specialist law firm with experts in construction, insurance, and environmental law.

We provide timely, expert, practical advice to clients, many of whom are involved in the development, construction, and infrastructure industries. We understand the industry well, including building concepts, terminology, and practices.

CONSTRUCTION

We are recognised within the industry for our expertise and have been involved in many of New Zealand’s major construction law cases. Scott Galloway has over 35 years of experience in construction. Rachel Conner and Mark Holland joined the partnership in 2021, regularly working with head contractors and subcontractors, property owners and principals, or with Master Builders and other trade associations. Mark is a qualified engineer and worked as a contract administrator, including as an Engineer under NZS 3910, for 16 years before becoming a lawyer.

Project Documentation:

We help with project documentation, tendering, contract drafting, and risk advice. We handle main and sub-contracts, professional services contracts, standard forms, and bespoke contracts.

Regulatory:

We provide advice on statutes and regulations, occupational regulation, and dispute resolution.

Dispute Resolution:

We regularly assist clients with strategy and with navigating mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation processes.

  • Strategy: Early detection of claims for time and money is crucial, though managing them can be complex. We offer comprehensive guidance on strategies for successful claims, whether as claimant or defendant.
  • Mediation: Many disputes, formal or informal, can be resolved through mediation. Our team has collaborated with all leading construction mediators in New Zealand and advises clients on potential outcomes and strategies within mediation. Scott Galloway is also available for appointment as a mediator.
  • Adjudication: We support clients in preparing and defending adjudication claims, including those involving financial, temporal, or technical aspects related to design or build quality. Scott's experience as an adjudicator provides him with valuable insights into achieving favourable outcomes.
  • Arbitration: Arbitration differs from court proceedings and is governed by the Arbitration Act and institutional rules. Our team possesses expertise in both domestic and international construction arbitration, offering detailed advisory services.
  • Litigation: We regularly represent clients in the District Court, High Court, and beyond if necessary. Our team ensures that each case is handled by lawyers with relevant expertise, delivering cost-effective and timely advice. We work closely with clients, specialists, and Senior Counsel as required.

INSURANCE

We deal with insurance issues in construction, including project insurance requirements and claims. Scott Galloway has advised Lloyd’s for over 30 years and has been Lloyd’s General Representative in New Zealand for the last 25 years. Shereen Poh assists Scott in this role. Scott advises on New Zealand law and regulation affecting Lloyd’s, deals with intermediaries, provides market intelligence, lobbies politicians and government departments, and handles various inquiries.

We provide advice to both insurers and insureds in relation to:

  • Contract Works
  • Public Liability
  • Professional Indemnity
  • Material Damage
  • Director’s Liability
  • Environmental Liability
  • Policy Wording

ENVIRONMENTAL

Rachel Conner leads our resource management practice. Rachel is accredited as an Independent Hearings Commissioner. We advise clients under the Resource Management Act and related legislation, including local councils, developers, and submitters across various industries. We provide advice on:

  • National directives and legislative reforms
  • Regional consenting issues
  • Land use and subdivision consents
  • Plan submissions
  • Plan changes
  • Direct referrals
  • Designations and heritage orders
  • Appeals and Judicial Review
  • Enforcement issues, including prosecutions.

We handle regulatory work under the Resource Management Act, Building Act, Local Government Act, and others, including bylaws and liquor licensing. We act on abatement and enforcement proceedings, direct referrals in the Environment Court, and defend and take judicial review proceedings.