Tania Hutchinson
Special Counsel
Tania’s expertise is in civil litigation and dispute resolution, with an emphasis on construction and insurance disputes. She has appeared in the District Court and High Court, and is experienced in dealing with various tribunals and alternative dispute resolution procedures.
Tania regularly acts for construction industry participants and assist with litigation arising from contractual breaches or claims under the Construction Contracts Act 2002, the Building Act 2004, and other legislation.
She advises policyholders in matters involving both domestic and commercial insurance, with a particular focus on providing advocacy, negotiation and settlement of disputed claims in Christchurch’s post-earthquake environment.
Key Transactions
Advised:
- Developers, contractors, principals, and consultants across all aspects of dispute resolution, from the more traditional arbitration and litigation settings, through to mediation, adjudication, and review boards.
- Contractors and other clients in debt recovery matters.
- And successfully opposed a private district plan change application for rezoning of rural land for residential development.
- And advocated to construction industry clients on the governing building and construction law and legislation.
- On 100+ negotiated settlements of policyholder insurance claims arising from the Canterbury earthquake sequence including advice and advocacy in respect of omitted earthquake damage, land damage, or pre-existing structural and non-compliant construction issues.
- Clients from tender stage through to resolving disputes under NZS3910, NZS3915, NZIA SCC, BuildRight BCC, RBC (Master Builders) and other standardised or bespoke contracts.
- On several High Court “Earthquake List” proceedings.
Credentials
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Canterbury
Admission to the Bar
New Zealand, 2010
Professional Memberships
Canterbury Women’s Legal Association Inc., Member
Society of Construction Law New Zealand Inc., Member
National Association of Women in Construction, Member
Contributed Articles
