On 9 December 2019, Whaakari erupted while 47 people were on the Island. Twenty two people died and the remaining 25 people were injured, many critically.
Read MoreNo doubt life insurers were eagerly awaiting this decision as Mr Catherwood’s interpretation of terminal illness could have had very wide-reaching implications for the industry.
Read MoreThe Government is moving swiftly ahead with its plans to replace the Resource Management Act with three distinct pieces of legislation: the Natural and Built Environment Bill, the Spatial Planning Bill and the Climate Adaptation Bill.
Read MoreWe’re excited to further strengthen our regulatory team with the arrival of Shikha Kishun. Shikha brings a wealth of experience in the regulatory space, having worked with a range of business and senior leaders on various risk and compliance matters including Fair Insurance Code compliance, privacy and confidentiality, risk, incident and complaints management, regulatory and compliance obligations. She has also acted as Deputy Privacy Officer in her previous role. We put Shikha straight under the spotlight to ask her five 'quick fire’ questions about all things regulatory.
Read MoreThe Government has recently confirmed changes to the oversight of port safety, with the expansion of Maritime New Zealand’s role beyond regulation at sea to become the designated regulator of on-land port operations. The intention is to ensure a more uniform standard for port workers’ health and safety. But is it necessary? And does this mean that Maritime New Zealand will become the regulator for inland ports as well?
Read MoreIn early May, a Select Committee issued its report on the Companies (Directors Duties) Amendment Bill, which proposes amendments to section 131 of the Companies Act 1993.
Read MoreThe Fletcher Construction Company Ltd v Chubb & BHSI [2023] NZHC 943
The New Zealand High Court recently looked at whether a third-party liability policy provided any cover to a head contractor for its liability to the principal under an indemnity clause in the construction contract. This decision provides helpful guidance on the applicable legal principles.
Read MoreNiamh Leuthart completed her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Politics) at the University of Otago in December 2022. She completed the last 6 months of her degree in Ireland at the University College of Dublin. Niamh is soon to be admitted to the New Zealand High Court in 2023.
Prior to joining Fee Langstone in February 2023, Niamh gained broad litigation experience as a Law Clerk at a specialist private client firm. There, Niamh assisted on complex disputes within the Trust and Estates Team and was involved in preparing matters for the Family Court. She looks forward to working on a range of commercial litigation matters with Fee Langstone.
Read MoreJono Raymond recently completed a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce, majoring in Economics from the University of Otago. Jono is originally from Christchurch but has moved up to Auckland to start his professional career with Fee Langstone as a Graduate. Jono will be admitted to the New Zealand High Court in 2023. Outside of the office, Jono loves playing golf and socialising with friends and family.
Read MoreFKP Commercial Developments Pty Ltd v Zurich Australian Insurance Ltd [2022] FCA 862
Head contractors will often assume contractual responsibility for both design and construction of a development. This remains their contractual responsibility, even if they engage consultants or subcontractors to carry out the design on their behalf.
Read MoreCatherwood v Asteron Life Ltd [2022] NZHC 3296
The High Court has recently denied Mr Catherwood’s claim for breach of a life insurance policy for terminal illness. The Court addressed the issue of whether the definition of “terminal illness” and “terminally ill” in the policy intended to take into account the effect of available medical treatment on a person’s life expectancy. The Court held that Asteron Life Limited (Asteron) had not breached the terms of the contract of insurance by denying the terminal illness extension of the life policy, when Mr Catherwood had treatment available to him that meant he was not going to die.
Read MoreThe Ministerial Inquiry report into woody debris (including forestry slash) and sediment in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa has been presented to the Government.
Read MoreAfter concern that financial advisers with extensive experience are leaving the industry, the Australian government has released a draft bill removing tertiary education requirements for them.
Read MoreBeca Carter Hollings & Ferner Limited v Wellington City Council [2022] NZCA 624
The Court of Appeal has recently upheld a High Court decision that the Building Act 10-year longstop does not apply to contribution claims against third parties. Contribution claims are instead governed by s 34 of the Limitation Act 2010. This means that time does not begin to run on contribution claims until settlement or judgment occurs. Insurers of third parties, such as professionals or construction entities, remain potentially ‘on the hook’ for much longer than previously thought.
Read MoreMoorhouse Commercial Park v Vero Insurance [2022] NZHC 3260
The High Court has delivered its judgment in a proceeding brought by the owner of a group of industrial buildings damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes, in a decision that will be welcomed by insurers.
As a result of the recent flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle weather events, Fee Langstone has assembled an experienced flood damage response team ready to assist clients with claims issues as they arise.
First party property claims are a substantial part of our practice. We were extensively involved in claims arising out of the Canterbury, Seddon and Kaikoura earthquakes. We also have significant experience in claims arising out of fire, landslips and other natural disasters.
Our flood response team comprises partners Craig Langstone, Cecily Brick and Virginia Wethey and Special Counsel Andrew Durrant. We are ready to provide our clients with specific claims advice as well as general policy advice and claims/settlement strategy.
Pauline, Hannah and Kaartik give an overview of the New Zealand Insurance sector for Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence.
Read MoreWe are pleased to announce that we celebrated several very well-deserved promotions recently. Andrew Durrant moved into his new role as Special Counsel. Morgan Fee, Frances Jones and Jonathan Lewis have transitioned to Senior Associate roles.
Read MoreChambers Rankings 2023
We are very pleased to announce that Fee Langstone was ranked once again as a Band 1 firm for Insurance in the Chambers Asia Pacific Rankings for 2023. This year marks milestones for the firm as it is our eighth ranked year. This year marks Philippa Fee's ninth year ranked for Insurance and Pauline Davies's tenth year ranked for shipping. Pauline was also a contributor to the Chambers Global Practice Guide for Shipping for 2022.
At Fee Langstone we’re experts in the field of insurance law. We are a team of skilled litigation lawyers, able to work with you to provide strategies and robust solutions, fast.
Auckland
Level 18, 51 Shortland Street
Auckland 1010
Tel. +64 9 373 0050
reception@feelangstone.co.nz
Christchurch
Level 1, 83 Lichfield Street
Christchurch 8011
