James Hardie cladding did not cause homeowners' leaky homes, appeal court told

James Hardie cladding did not cause homeowners' leaky homes, appeal court told
Leaky buildings at Armoy Place in Botany Downs were among many that had to be reclad. (Image: NZME)
Greg Hurrell
Harditex house cladding was a well-designed product when combined with competent design and good workmanship practices, the court of appeal in Wellington has heard.Last year, a group of 144 homeowners lost their high court case against James Hardie after failing to prove the company’s Harditex sheet cladding was defective and was responsible for their homes leaking. The plaintiffs last week argued in their appeal that the cladding was not weathertight and that James Hardie had not designed any cavity behind the cladding to let penetr...

More Law & Regulation

Westpac NZ eyes monetary policy reform for change-laden RBNZ
Economy

Westpac NZ eyes monetary policy reform for change-laden RBNZ

Westpac NZ puts monetary policy voting in the spotlight.

Staff reporters 05 Sep 2025
Absenteeism: When can you fairly cry halt?
Law & Regulation

Rachael Judge: Absenteeism: When can you fairly cry halt?

Even with strong justification for dismissal, employers can let themselves down.

Rachael Judge 05 Sep 2025
New deal to improve gas market transparency
Law & Regulation

New deal to improve gas market transparency

Fast-dwindling gas supplies are creating new challenges for electricity production.

Staff reporters 04 Sep 2025