Richard Kettelwell

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Richard Kettelwell

LLB

Richard began his career in the construction industry whilst completing his law degree. He has been practicing in the areas of dispute resolution and Building and Construction since his admission to the bar in 2001. He gained extensive experience in both New Zealand and the UK before returning home and settling in Tauranga. He has been a partner at Sharp Tudhope since 2013.

Today he specialises in all areas of Building and Construction law as well as general civil and commercial dispute resolution. He understands the challenges facing the construction industry so is well equipped to act on behalf of building contractors, professionals, developers, public bodies and property owners. He advises on construction contracts and the tendering and letting of construction projects. He also routinely acts for parties in construction industry disputes and represents his clients in the High Court, District Court, Arbitration, Construction Contracts Act Adjudications and at mediation.

“Being an effective construction lawyer means knowing the law, the people and the project. Thoroughly understanding these three aspects of any given contract or dispute enables me to help clients to judge their risk and exploit their opportunities.”

Areas of Expertise

Building and construction
NZS 3910 / 3916 / 3917
Construction Contracts Act 2002 Payment Disputes
Tendering and Procurement
Probity auditor
Professional Negligence claims involving building professionals
Insurance
Leaky building disputes
Commercial disputes

Memberships

Civil Contractors New Zealand Bay of Plenty Branch (past regional Chairman)
Bay of Plenty Clay Target Association
Equine Estate Sporting Clays

What clients say

"What I appreciate most is Richard's ability to work with myself and my staff at a level where he comes to grips quickly with our particular industry's language and way of doing business. He communicates the legal side of things in such a way that we grasp the situation quickly and can make appropriate decisions accordingly."

"I found Richard to be personable, always willing to go the 'extra mile', always responding promptly to requests and most importantly not shy to suggest more cost effective ways for the Council to progress matters. He is able to take a principled approach with the focus on resolution whilst being able to litigate when required."