Long and complex leaky building trial heads into new territory

Mega-trial brings a new approach to court conduct. (Image: Getty)

Thu, 09 Mar 2023

The sheer length and complexity of a $91 million case over building cladding justifies an “unprecedented” departure from court practice, the high court in Auckland has ruled.Retirement village operator Metlifecare is suing James Hardie, claiming the company’s cladding was defective and caused buildings to leak.The main hearing is set to start on May 8 and run for 29 weeks. If there are no adjournments, it will wrap up in late November.The long hearing will be dominated by expert evidence, and Metlifecare’s lawyers asked...

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