New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Adjudicators Associations New Zealand
24 Jul 2025
Dispute resolution panel discussion with QS professionals
Emmolina participated in a discussion panel at the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) event, where she engaged in a dialogue about dispute resolution and prevention in the construction industry. Joining her on the panel was Lawrence Jones, the president of the Adjudicators Association of New Zealand. This collaboration brought together members from both NZIQS and the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ), creating a platform for valuable exchange.
The conversation was rich with practical insights and professional experiences, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding dispute resolution. Emmolina noted the importance of honest reflections shared during the discussion, which contributed significantly to the depth of the topic.
One of the standout moments from the panel was when Lawrence emphasized the necessity of being prepared for disputes from the very beginning of a project. He stated:
"We need to be prepared for dispute from day one. From reading that contract, asking that question, calculating that number, understanding the basics of the CCA and NZS 3910."
Emmolina resonated with this sentiment, recognizing that the seemingly simple actions taken early on, such as understanding contracts, can either safeguard a project or lead to its downfall. She highlighted that the earlier stakeholders grasp the intricacies of their contracts, the better they can protect their projects, teams, and overall outcomes.
Emmolina also expressed gratitude to the Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology for providing the venue, which facilitated such an insightful and valuable industry event. The collaboration among various organizations underscored the importance of community in addressing the challenges of dispute resolution in construction.