Grim result for leaky building lawyers even after $20m settlement

Grim result for leaky building lawyers even after $20m settlement
Majestic views for a leaky building. (Image: NZME)
Paul McBeth
Grimshaw & Co will end 15 years of working on a high-profile leaky building case and securing a big win for its clients with a massive bill for its own shoddy work.The law firm extracted a $20.1 million settlement for the body corporate and owners of the 23-storey hotel and apartment complex Spencer on Byron on Auckland’s North Shore in 2013 from the amalgamated Auckland council that signed off on the consents, and the builder Multiplex. The landmark case went to the supreme court to establish local councils owe a duty of care to...

More Property

The key question driving Fletcher's asset sales
Property

The key question driving Fletcher's asset sales

Construction is for sale, and now residential could be too. What's next?

Fletcher Building's loss balloons to $419m
Property

Fletcher Building's loss balloons to $419m

Fletcher boss says 2025 has been one of its most demanding years in recent memory.

Auckland Council proposes downzoning 12,000 properties
Policy

Auckland Council proposes downzoning 12,000 properties

The council is also proposing to enable 10-15 storey apartments around more than 40 hubs.

Oliver Lewis 19 Aug 2025
Grimshaw ruling overturned
Property

Grimshaw ruling overturned

Lower court had found the law firm was negligent. 

Staff reporters 18 Aug 2025