Inside AMINZ Conference 2025: Fast Five with Rebecca Saunders

We are delighted to have Wynn Williams – one of New Zealand’s leading law firms with a strong reputation in alternative dispute resolution – return as our Platinum Partner for the ninth consecutive year. We sat down with Rebecca Saunders, Partner and Construction and Dispute Resolution Specialist at Wynn Williams, and asked her our Fast Five questions ahead of Conference. 

Kia ora Rebecca. We’re kicking off with two questions! What initially drew you to specialise in construction law, and what continues to engage you in this area? 

I started my career in property law and acted for a major developer who constructed a multi-level office building in the Auckland CBD. I found the project work very interesting because of the various parties involved, the risk allocations between the parties, and the fact that there was something tangible to show for it at the end. I then relocated to the UK where I worked for a specialist construction law firm, Fenwick Elliott, where my interest in construction law really blossomed.  

I was lucky enough to work on a very high-profile, complex arbitration under the ICC Rules concerning the construction of an oil pipeline in Turkey. I really enjoyed working closely with the Turkish-based client and learning the fundamentals of construction claims and disputes while I was at it.  

I still really enjoy specialising in construction. Apart from my amazing team at Wynn Williams, the main attraction remains the people we help. We act for the full range of parties in the construction lifecycle, from individuals who are undertaking a home renovation, builders, sub-contractors, through to Territorial Authorities and listed major contractors. In terms of the type of work, I really enjoy working on large, complex disputes, but am just as happy giving ad hoc advice or representing a client in a construction adjudication, mediation, or claim/defence in the lower courts.  

In 2022, you received the AMINZ Fellowship in Arbitration, the highest credentialled status of the Institute. (Congratulations again!) How do you see arbitration evolving in New Zealand’s construction sector? 

Good question. Anecdotally, I would say that resolving construction disputes by way of arbitration as opposed to in court is becoming increasing common in New Zealand. I am working on two significant arbitrations at the moment, whereas most of my work in New Zealand has been in the Courts before now.

Given the high degree of party autonomy in determining arbitral procedure (which can save on time and cost), the high level of confidence that parties rightly have in the arbitral process (many of our arbitrators are retired commercial judges or highly experienced senior counsel), and the extensive delays experienced in the Courts, the use of arbitration as a mechanism for resolving disputes will continue to increase. 

Wynn Williams has supported AMINZ Conference for nine years now, a remarkable commitment. What does this partnership mean to the firm?

With 13 partners and a team of 55 staff in our Dispute Resolution team, our relationship with AMINZ means a lot to us. ADR is at the very core of what we do, and we are committed to supporting education in this field. The conference offers an opportunity for practitioners to develop networks which in turn leads to growth in the use, understanding and expertise in the ADR area. We are very proud of our long association with AMINZ and value the opportunity to continue supporting AMINZ with the conference and other activities.  

What are you most looking forward to at AMINZ Conference 2025? 

I’m looking forward to having a few laughs with Malcolm Wallace and catching up with friends and colleagues. In terms of the content, I will be very interested in Toby Manhire’s session on the political and cultural landscape in 1985 (I was alive then) and Thursday’s session on AI.   

Thank you so much for your time, Rebecca. We look forward to seeing you at Conference! 

Have you registered yet? AMINZ Conference 2025 kicks off on Wednesday 27 August with our AGM, with sessions running across Thursday 28 and Friday 29 August. Find out more and register.