The power of lay witnesses – Court confirms builder’s duty is to build code-compliant buildings.

By FRANA DIVICH – Heaney & Partners In the case Minister of Education v H Construction North Island Limited (formerly Hawkins Construction North Island Limited) NZHC 871, the High Court awarded $13.4 million worth of damages against the builder. The court said “…The pupils and teachers have not had the benefit of healthy code...