Time and Date(s)

22/07/2026 at 7:30 AM ⇢ 22/07/2026 at 9:00 AM

Description

Stay informed and connected in an evolving construction environment. This session brings together insights from BDO’s latest Construction Report with practical legal perspectives from Ford Sumner Lawyers, helping you understand key trends, risks, and opportunities across the sector.

Gain a clearer view of what’s ahead, ask questions, and connect with others working in the industry.

Date: Wednesday 22 July 2026

Time: 7.30am - 9.00am 

Location:  Level 1/50 Customhouse Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011

Cost: Free for Building Institute Members, BDO Clients & Ford Sumner Lawyer clients | $50 + GST for Non-Members 

CPD: 3 credits

Event schedule

7.30am - Registration and networking

7.45am - Panel discussion 

8.30am - Audience Q&A

9.00am - Networking and refreshments

Speakers:

Ruth McGregor – BDO Wellington
Ruth is a Partner specialising in Business Advisory based in the Wellington Office, servicing a wide portfolio of clients, including a number within the construction space.

She advises on areas such as management and KPI reporting, financial statement preparation and taxation compliance, developing internal controls and other consulting projects.

Ruth enjoys building relationships with clients and working closely with them to gain a thorough understanding of their business and objectives. Along with her team, Ruth provides virtual CFO services to a number of Wellington based organisations.

Brad Burness – BDO Wellington
Brad is an Associate in the Business Restructuring team based in Wellington.

Brad has significant experience working on formal insolvency engagements (liquidations, receiverships, and voluntary administrations) in a wide range of industries with a particular focus on construction and manufacturing, retail, and hospitality.

In addition to formal insolvency engagements, Brad’s experience includes solvent business restructuring advice, investigating accountant reports, and creditor compromises.

Jaesen Sumner, Partner - Ford Sumner

Jaesen is a highly skilled litigator specialising in resolving complex construction disputes across New Zealand. His expertise spans across adjudications, arbitrations, mediations, and court proceedings, enabling him to effectively advocate for clients and navigate all forums to achieve favourable outcomes in construction-related conflicts.

Rebecca Richter, Senior Associate - Ford Sumner

Rebecca has a robust background in construction law, having practiced in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that govern construction projects and contracts. She offers expert skills in contract drafting and negotiation, risk management, and dispute resolution to effectively support project success.

This event is supported by:

About BDO:

BDO is one of the top five Chartered Accounting and Business Advisory firms in New Zealand.

We are a Network of 13 Independent Member Firms in 21 Locations with over 125+ Partners and more than 1,000+ employees nationwide. 

We are proud to represent a huge number of NZ businesses and we are the leading supplier of chartered accounting and advisory services to mid-market and SME businesses – those businesses at the heart of Kiwi success and growth.

BDO is part of BDO International, the fifth largest accountancy network in the world. Each BDO Member Firm is an independent legal entity in its own country. With a local presence in 164 territories, wherever you are in the world, BDO is close to your business. We are proud of our richer relationships with our clients, who we back to the hilt. 

About Ford Sumner Lawyers:

Ford Sumner is a law firm with deep expertise across commercial, construction, infrastructure,
property and regulatory law. The firm works closely with clients across the construction sector,
providing practical, solutions-focused advice across the full project lifecycle. At the front end, the
team assist with procurement, contract drafting, and negotiating. At the back end, the team
resolve disputes and enforce rights when problems arise.

Location

Level 1/50 Customhouse Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011

Restrictions

Public Event

CPD Credits: 3