Stephen Price
Partner - Construction

Stephen is a highly-regarded and experienced construction disputes lawyer. His primary focus is resolving large scale and strategically sensitive contractual disputes. These disputes often involve claims for variation, extension of time, and non-compliant works. Stephen frequently works with parties across the construction sector, including principals, contractors, consultants, as well as central and local government agencies.
Stephen has specific experience in major horizontal and vertical infrastructure projects, such as public private partnerships (PPPs), power stations and roading projects. His approach often involves working alongside clients at an early stage to avoid disputes escalating where possible and to maximise their interests as the projects develop.
In terms of advocacy, Stephen has a wealth of experience in bringing and defending adjudications under the Construction Contracts Act 2002, appearing regularly at all levels of the New Zealand Courts (including the appellate Courts) and in advising clients through arbitrations and mediation processes.
Stephen is a highly regarded and sought after thought leader in the construction industry. Stephen has lectured on Construction Law for the AUT Masters of Construction Management degree and is currently lecturing at the University of Auckland Engineering and Law schools. Since 2014, Stephen has been recognised by the Chambers and Partners Directory as a Band One ranked lawyer in the New Zealand construction field. The Asia Pacific Legal 500 Directory has recognised Stephen for several consecutive years and in 2019 named him as a Leading Individual in the Real Estate and Construction practice areas.
Professional background
Recent work
Wellington Gateway Partnership
Advising on the delivery of the Transmission Gully roading PPP project.
Auckland Council
A lead provider of Auckland Council’s defences to large scale, multi-party, defective building claims.
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
Represented DPMC on a lengthy and complex infrastructure arbitration regarding the rebuild of Christchurch post earthquakes.
Leighton Works (a joint venture between Leighton Contractors and Downer EDI)
Represented Leighton Works regarding disputes arising out the construction of State Highway 20, including successfully defending claims brought by H&H Contractors in the High Court.
Bostik
Represented Bostik in the Nautilus (2014) and Victopia (2016) High Court litigations, securing a total abandonment of all claims against Bostik mid-High Court trial.
Siemens
Acted on the delivery to Transpower of the HVDC Pole 3 Project, including large scale disputes between Siemens and Mainzeal regarding variation, cost and delay claims.
Admitted
- 1995, New Zealand
Qualifications
- LLB, BCom, University of Auckland
Affiliations
- Member, New Zealand Society of Construction Law
Specialisations
- Construction Litigation
- Contractual Disputes
- Defective Buildings
- Infrastructure
Awards
- Ranked as a leading Real Estate and Construction lawyer, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
- Ranked as a Band 1 Construction lawyer, Chambers Asia Pacific
- Winner - Construction Disputes Law Firm of the Year New Zealand - Global Law Experts Awards 2016
- Recognised by Best Lawyers for Construction Law
Stephen Price
- Office
- Auckland
- Phone
- +64 9 353 9961
- Mobile
- +64 21 521 244
- stephen.price@minterellison.co.nz
- https://nz.linkedin.com/in/stephen-price-920430b1