Court of Appeal rejects ‘Bianco Apartments’ Body Corporate and owners’ $40m repair claim against Auckland Council and Argon over $5.3m repair option – and suggests the plaintiffs ought to have accepted a ~$20m settlement offer. The Court accepted the defendants’ expert’s scope offered an effective and durable, but more cost-effective and reasonable repair, than the plaintiffs’ “full replacement” scope. 

For committees facing costly building defect repairs, this decision offers crucial guidance on how courts are assessing “reasonable remedial scope.” If your Body Corporate is dealing with defects or considering litigation, this case is essential reading. The Courts suggested “steely” approach to Calderbank offers is also notable, especially in view of the new High Court Rules civil procedure reforms aimed at improved access to justice and reduced delays.

The High Court of Australia recently overturned a key decision involving the Sydney Light Rail project, finding that public authorities may be liable when construction delays become unreasonable. This is a significant development for business owners impacted by extended public works disruptions.

This article discusses the High Court’s recent decision in Vanifatova v Wang [2025] NZHC 1532. The decision provides an illustration of the risks of non-disclosure, misrepresentation and deceit in the context of a leaky home sale.

A recent decision of the High Court is a timely reminder to apartment owners that breaching contractual disclosure obligations in sale and purchase agreements can lead to serious legal consequences, including substantial damages.

The recent High Court decision in Taylor v Roper [2025] NZHC 30 clarifies the limits of exemplary damages in cases of vicarious liability. The court confirmed that such damages are meant to punish conscious wrongdoing e.g. deliberately running a known risk of causing harm to another, which is generally not the case with a defendant who is vicariously liable for the actions of another, third party (except in cases involving an unidentified wrongdoer—which did not apply in Taylor). While the court acknowledged the injustice faced by Ms. Taylor, it ultimately dismissed the claim for exemplary damages. Read more about the case and its implications below. #Litigation #ExemplaryDamages #VicariousLiability