Category Archives: Pep talk

Unlike subtractive machining which typically generates large quantities of waste product, 3D printing’s additive nature allows for the creation of parts while creating minimal waste, writes Dr Juan Shutte.

Dr Juan Schutte shares how 3D printing has evolved from plastic filament being melted into rough layered prototypes, and is making its mark in the industry with metal-based technologies.

There is a question whether a party is entitled to litigate instead of referring its dispute to arbitration where an arbitration clause in a construction contract such as clause 13.4 in NZS3910:2013 provides that the parties ‘may’ refer their dispute to arbitration, but does not say anything about litigation. 

It’s dangerous at the best of times to get out the crystal ball in an attempt to foretell the year ahead, and even more so at times of so much change, but I thought I’d give it a go anyway!

In June 2021, HERA published its Steel Recycling Report that indicated an impressive 74% of scrap steel in New Zealand was recycled. The recycling of steel not only provides significant environmental benefits but also helps to secure the future of the steel industry. Recycled steel is cheaper and easier to produce (recycling steel saves almost 74% of the overall energy used in production), saves natural resources, and prevents excess greenhouse gas usage.

New Zealand is a wonderful place to live, however it is plagued with colossal infrastructural limitations and a demoralizing ever-growing housing shortage/crisis. Just ask any Aucklander who’s had the ‘luxury’ of peak hour traffic on the harbor bridge or the desperate individual trying to buy a house…

In the recent reforms of vocational education, the Education and Training Act 2020 was amended with a reference (Section 4): “The purpose of this Act is to establish and regulate an education system that…honours Te Tiriti Waitangi and supports Māori-Crown relationships”. This is the first piece of legislation that references requirements relating to Te Tiriti in its entirety (versus the principles) and compels “honouring” it.

In Templeton Kingsland Ltd vs. Dominion Constructors Ltd, the contractor served a statutory demand following the principal’s payment of just over $320,000 in response to a payment claim of nearly $6 million. The principal provided a payment schedule, but the contractor argued it was not valid. The Court’s reasoning for setting the demand aside serves as a reminder to all who prepare and receive payment schedules under the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (Act).