2024 Any questions?

Last week, the Court of Appeal clarified the rights of purchasers of partially completed tiny homes following the builder's insolvency^.[1] The High Court ruled last year^[

In a judgment issued yesterday (Francis v Gross [2024] NZCA 528), the Court of Appeal unanimously overturned the controversial High Court decision in Francis v Gross [2023] NZHC 1107 and held that purchasers of partly constructed modular buildings (pods) did not have equitable liens (at all, and especially not in priority to secured creditors) over those pods.

Contractor insolvencies are continuing in the construction industry in 2024. This follows recent challenges relating to supply chain issues, labour shortages, and increased material costs. Such challenges are part of the broader macroeconomic climate of high inflation and interest rates.

We outline below steps that a Principal can take at different stages of a project to mitigate the impact of Contractor insolvency on its project, and to protect its interests.

Key takeaways

Hot on the heels of the review of NZS3910, AS 4000-1997, a key Australian standard form construction contract for more than 27 years, is currently being reviewed. This form, or variants of it, is sometimes used in New Zealand and various jurisdictions in the Pacific.

When Cash is King but it's running short - what do directors need to know?

The general sentiment for 2024 is that challenges still lie ahead for business owners before things will improve. How will those challenges impact your business?

Directors need to be aware that in times of doubtful solvency the law requires them to at least have regard to the interests of creditors as well as shareholders, and getting it wrong can attract significant personal liability.

In Arab v Pan, in the matter of Pan (No 3) [2024] FCA 563, the Federal Court of Australia addressed critical issues concerning the scope and compliance of summonses for production in bankruptcy, which will also impact corporate insolvency proceedings and such proceedings in other common law jurisdictions.

Our prediction

With New Zealand’s economy in recession, we predict an increase in insolvency-related disputes and litigation over next 12-months.

Why?

A variety of factors combine to give rise to the expected uptick in insolvency-related claims:

New Zealand needs to consider promoting passive overseas investment in developed assets. We are pleased to see that the New Zealand Government has signalled changes to allow for foreign investment in established build-to-rent developments (while still retaining the residential restrictions more generally).

New Zealand’s economy, like many others, has been significantly impacted by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic hangover (inflation, supply chain shocks and high interest rates). These events have led to an increase in distressed M&A activity as healthy companies seek to acquire those in financial distress. Distressed M&A is not without its challenges. The uncertainty of the distressed company’s true value, potential liabilities, and the risk of subsequent insolvency proceedings can deter potential acquirers.