Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Learning Objectives:
- Understand recent case law developments and proposed regulatory reforms in construction law
- Identify practical implications of changes to liability frameworks and building consent processes
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
* This interactive online recording includes questions and quizzes requiring critical thinking about the topics, so you have no annual limits to the number of points/hours you can claim with this format of learning. Please verify with your CPD rules
Chair
Mark Gillard, Special Counsel, Simpson Grierson
Recent Case Law and Regulatory Updates
- Proposed amendments to streamline the building consent regime including allowing Council’s to voluntarily consolidate their BCA functions
- Proposal to replace joint and several liability with proportionate liability
- The requirement for holding retentions under the Construction Contracts Act 2002: Burt v Grant [2025] NZHC 2486
Presented by Christine Gordon, Senior Associate, Simpson Grierson
Presenters
Mark Gillard, Special Counsel, Bell Gully
Mark is a specialist construction lawyer with over 20 years of experience advising clients on the procurement and delivery of major construction and infrastructure projects in both New Zealand and Australia. He has advised on the procurement and delivery of some of the largest and most complex public transport projects in Australia, including the Sydney Metro Northwest and Sydney Light Rail. Having spent extended periods embedded within project delivery teams, he is skilled at combining competing contractual, commercial and technical drivers to produce a best for project approach.
Christine Gordon, Senior Associate, Simpson Grierson
Christine Gordon is an corporate attorney specializing in construction, infrastructure, and commercial law, currently serving as the Head of Legal - New Zealand at international infrastructure giant ACCIONA. Based in Auckland, she transitioned to this executive position in April 2026 after establishing a strong track record across New Zealand's top-tier law firms.
