Civil Contractors New Zealand has taken a lead role in launching a project to review 'NZS 3910 Conditions of contract for building and civil engineering construction', committing $65,000 over two years to fund the civil construction industry’s share of the review costs.
The total estimated review cost of $660,000 is being shared between four groups, with the commissioners (the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission - Te Waihanga), contractors, clients, and consultants each picking up 25 per cent of the total. The contractors' share has been split between CCNZ, Registered Master Builders and Specialist Trade Contractors Federation.
CCNZ Chief Executive Peter Silcock said the review of NZS 3910 would have wide benefits as it was an important and widely used document that forms the base of CCNZ’s subcontract document. Legislation and industry practice have changed considerably since the last review of NZS 3910 in 2013, resulting in increasing use of special conditions which are adding significant legal costs and complexity to the construction industry.
"Government agencies have expressed their strong commitment to the review, which should eliminate the need for multiple special conditions and put CCNZ in a stronger position to raise issues with organisations that are making wholesale changes to the agreed standard contract."
Funding from all parties is being finalised and it is hoped the review process can start this calendar year.
For further information on the review, contact peter@civilcontractors.co.nz.