No more 'Mr Nice Guy' in construction

No more 'Mr Nice Guy' in construction
Subcontractors need to protect themselves with tight contracts and terms of trade. (Image: Alex Burton)
Maria Slade
Louis Wu, director of the landscaping company Top Garden, won’t make the same mistake twice.If he knew then what he knows now, he’d do more research on project manager Triple Connection before working on its three residential developments.The failed firm owes Top Garden more than $100,000 and Wu has spent as much again in legal fees chasing the debt.Now, if anyone misses a progress payment, Wu will “just stop the work straight away". "You can’t trust anyone now,” he says.'Must pay something&...

More Property

Court to decide if Du Val investors' claim can proceed
Property

Court to decide if Du Val investors' claim can proceed

Investors who swapped debt for equity accuse FMA of devaluing their shares.

Vector faces fresh complaint on unfair contract terms
Property

Vector faces fresh complaint on unfair contract terms

Vector faces more scrutiny over contract terms after Commerce Commission advice.

Garth Bray 02 Jul 2025