Fate of 'faulty' cladding in the balance as appeal court mulls submissions

Fate of 'faulty' cladding in the balance as appeal court mulls submissions
Leaky buildings at Armoy Place in Botany Downs were among many that had to be reclad. (Image: NZME)
Greg Hurrell
Last year, a group of homeowners failed to convince the high court that a flawed cladding product damaged their homes. After two weeks of submissions, both parties are waiting for Wellington’s court of appeal to decide if James Hardie’s fibreboard product was fit for purpose or not. The core of James Hardie’s case was that its Harditex fibreboard cladding was a sound product. Where houses built with Harditex had leaked, it was shown to be down to poor design and building practices.The homeowners argued that the fibre...

More Law & Regulation

ANZ agrees to record A$240m fine for widespread misconduct
Markets

ANZ agrees to record A$240m fine for widespread misconduct

ANZ has agreed to pay the largest penalty its Australian regulator has ever issued an entity in one go, due to failings in the bank’s dealings with both the Government and its retail customers.ANZ and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will ask the Federa...

Two more Smiths City stores close as liquidation sale winds up, massive discounts
Retail

Two more Smiths City stores close as liquidation sale winds up, massive discounts

Embattled retailer Smiths City has closed two more stores as its fire sale draws winds up this weekend.Administrators Colin Gower and Diana Matchett of BDO Christchurch on Friday said staff numbers will significantly reduce from next week, with remaining staff to assist with deli...

Staff reporters 12 Sep 2025
Construction suicide costs at $1.3 billion
Infrastructure

Construction suicide costs at $1.3 billion

A survey found that almost one in five workers reported suicidal thoughts.

Chido Machingura 12 Sep 2025
Net assets down, losses widen in Macquarie Group NZ's FY
Finance

Net assets down, losses widen in Macquarie Group NZ's FY

Financial group books wider full-year loss as net assets slip.

Staff reporters 12 Sep 2025