Insights on debt recovery and the construction industry

Insights

Expert insights on debt recovery for New Zealand trades and property businesses.

Latest articles on construction debt recovery

Subcontractor reviewing a construction contract highlighting the illegality of pay-when-paid clauses in New Zealand.

Pay When Paid Is Illegal in New Zealand — Here's What Subcontractors Need to Know

If you’re a subcontractor in New Zealand, you’ve probably been told “we’ll pay you when the client pays us.” Under Section 13 of the Construction Contracts Act 2002, that excuse is illegal and has no effect—even if it’s written into your contract. Here’s how the law protects you and what to do if a head contractor won’t pay.
Subcontractor reviewing retention money trust account and contract documents on a construction site in New Zealand

Retention Money in New Zealand Construction: Your Rights Under the 2023 Amendments

Retention money in New Zealand construction must now be held in a separate trust account, with strict reporting and penalties for non-compliance. Here’s what’s changed under the 2023 amendments to the Construction Contracts Act and the practical steps subcontractors should take to protect their cash.
Stack of printed Terms and Conditions documents on a desk with a pen and coffee cup

Terms and Conditions: The Most Important Document You Probably Don't Have Right

Your terms and conditions are the single most important tool for protecting your cashflow as a subcontractor. Without proper T&Cs issued before work begins, recovering unpaid invoices becomes dramatically harder and more expensive. Here's what you need to know.