Ministry’s $14m leaky schools’ legal bill

Ministry’s $14m leaky schools’ legal bill
Victoria Young
The Ministry of Education was billed $14 million in lawyers’ fees for its mammoth leaky building suit against Carter Holt Harvey, according to information obtained under the Official Information Act.It also estimated paying $6.54 million in expert witness fees in the seven-year case which ended in a confidential deal.The ministry alleged Carter Holt’s Shadowclad product - which it had used in more than 800 school buildings – was defective. In 2018 Justice Sally Fitzgerald described the case as “extremely large, probably...

More Property

Fletcher Building MD: ‘It hurts to make these cuts’
Property

Fletcher Building MD: ‘It hurts to make these cuts’

An emotional Andrew Reding says staff understand why the firm has to cut back.

Fletcher Building puts ‘noise’ in the past
Property

Fletcher Building puts ‘noise’ in the past

New directors say shareholders are right to expect more, and they intend to deliver.

Property for Industry says valuation cycle turning
Infrastructure

Property for Industry says valuation cycle turning

It cites strong occupancy, lease terms behind and sees strong 2026.

Staff reporters 21 Oct 2025
Promoter ducked inquiries about inappropriate AdWords use
Property

Promoter ducked inquiries about inappropriate AdWords use

Finbase created 'false impression' its financial products were low-risk, FMA says.

Maria Slade 16 Oct 2025