We Know Running a Trade Business
Isn't Easy
You've built something worth protecting. We understand the unique pressures and fears that come with running a construction trade business in Canterbury.
Your Identity Is Your Business
You've been in the trades since leaving school. It's not just what you do—it's who you are. The thought of losing it all keeps you awake at night.
Every Decision Carries Weight
Your family depends on you. Your team depends on you. One bad day, one unforeseen accident, could put everything at risk.
No Time for Complex Paperwork
You're brilliant at your craft, but navigating business paperwork and insurance jargon? That's not why you got into this game.
Real Scenarios,
Real Consequences
These aren't scare tactics. They're real situations we've seen destroy good businesses run by skilled tradies. The difference? Whether they had proper protection or not.
WorkSafe Prosecution
A 21-year-old worker killed by a falling 500kg steel beam. Investigation found no proper risk assessment. The company: $180,000 fine, $110,000 reparations. But the real cost? A young life lost, and a business destroyed.
Client Bankruptcy
A main contractor goes under owing you $80,000. That's three months of work, unpaid. Your suppliers still want paying. Your team still needs wages. Without protection, your house is on the line.
Liability Without Cover
A plumber accidentally floods a client's renovated home—$60,000 in damages. Without public liability insurance, that's your life savings gone. Your family's security. Everything.
You didn't get into the trades to worry about this stuff.
But ignoring it won't make it go away.
The 2027 Proportional Liability Changes
New legislation coming in 2027 will fundamentally change liability rules for construction. This is more than a policy shift—it's an existential threat to unprepared trade businesses.
What's Changing?
New Zealand is shifting from joint and several liability to proportional liability. Under the old system, if other parties went bust, you could be stuck paying 100% of the damages—even if you were only 20% at fault. The new system caps your liability to your actual share of responsibility.
Sounds fairer, right? But here's the catch: if the other party can't pay their share, the risk now falls on the homeowner—not on you. To protect homeowners, the government is introducing massive new compliance requirements that will hit your business hard.
1. Mandatory Warranty Costs
Every new build up to 3 storeys and renovations over $100k will require a 10-year home warranty. Estimated cost: 0.5% of build value ($2,500 on a $500k build). This cost comes directly from your margins.
2. Insurance Market Chaos
Industry experts warn NZ's insurance market isn't ready. Expect: higher premiums, restricted coverage terms, potential monopoly pricing, and some trades unable to get cover at all.
3. Documentation Burden
Warranty providers will demand meticulous records: material receipts, subcontractor qualifications, compliance photos, detailed site diaries. Admin overhead will increase significantly. No paperwork = no warranty = no work.
4. Complex Multi-Party Litigation
Under proportional liability, everyone gets dragged in—designer, builder, every subbie. Legal costs will skyrocket as each party fights to minimize their percentage of blame. Litigation becomes your new normal.
5. Doubled Penalties for Licensed Building Practitioners
Maximum fines doubling from $10,000 to $20,000. License suspensions doubling from 12 to 24 months. One mistake, one non-compliant job, and you could lose your license for 2 years. Your livelihood is on the line like never before.
Why This Is an Existential Threat
This isn't just another regulation. These changes stack up to create a perfect storm:
- •Margins evaporate: New warranty costs, higher insurance premiums, increased admin—all eating into already tight margins
- •Cash flow crisis: Upfront warranty and insurance costs before you even break ground
- •Barrier to entry: Smaller operators and sole traders may not be able to afford or obtain the required coverage
- •Competitive disadvantage: Those who understand the new rules early will dominate; those who don't will fail
- •One mistake = business over: Doubled penalties plus litigation costs could bankrupt a small trade business
The businesses that survive will be those who prepare NOW—not in 2027 when it's too late.
Navigate This Change with Confidence
The 2027 reforms are complex, but you don't have to face them alone. Campbell Insurance specializes in protecting Canterbury trade businesses through major regulatory changes. We'll help you:
- ✓Understand exactly how these changes affect your trade and business size
- ✓Structure the right insurance coverage before the market gets chaotic
- ✓Set up documentation systems that warranty providers will approve
- ✓Plan your cash flow to absorb new costs without crisis
- ✓Position your business to thrive while competitors struggle
The window to prepare is closing. The Building Amendment Bill hits Parliament in early 2026. By late 2026, the insurance market will be in chaos. Act now, or get left behind.
Implementation Timeline
The Confidence Factor
Proper protection isn't about paperwork. It's about the confidence to build, grow, and thrive without the constant weight of fear on your shoulders.
Focus on Your Craft
Stop worrying about what-ifs. Get back to doing what you do best—delivering quality work.
Grow Without Fear
Take on bigger projects, hire that extra person, expand your business with confidence.
Sleep Peacefully
Know that your family's home, your savings, your future—they're protected, no matter what happens.
Build Your Legacy
Create something that lasts. A business you're proud of, that you can pass on.
Before: Living with constant worry
After: Building with confidence
Why This Really Matters
It's not about insurance products. It's about protecting everything you've worked for and everyone who depends on you.
Your Family Home
Protected from business debts and liabilities
Your Family's Future
Security and peace of mind for those who matter most
Your Reputation
The trust and respect you've earned in your community
Your Legacy
A business built to last, with proper foundations
You've built something worth protecting.
Let's make sure it stays that way.
This Is a Journey, Not a Transaction
Trust never comes from filling out online forms. It comes from sitting down together, looking each other in the eye, and having honest conversations.
Face-to-Face Meeting
No sales pitch. Just straight talk over coffee about your business, your concerns, and what keeps you up at night.
Understanding Your World
We listen. We ask questions. We get to know your business, your goals, and your vulnerabilities.
Tailored Protection
Together, we build a protection plan that actually makes sense for your business—no jargon, no unnecessary extras.
Ongoing Partnership
This isn't a one-off transaction. We're there when you need us, as your business grows and changes.
Important: We're looking for clients who are committed to protecting their business properly.
If you're just shopping for the cheapest quote, we're probably not the right fit. But if you want a trusted advisor who genuinely cares about your success, let's talk.
Why NZ Tradies Insurance
Three things set us apart: our experience with trade businesses, our professional qualifications, and our genuine passion for protecting clients.
Experience
We've seen it all. The good, the bad, and the devastating. Every scenario you worry about? We've helped someone through it. That experience means we know exactly where the risks are and how to protect you properly.
Professional Credibility
As members of Advisernet NZ/Australia, we're held to the highest professional standards. We're qualified, regulated, and proven. You can trust that you're getting advice from experts who know their stuff.
Genuine Care
We're a family business, just like many of our clients. We genuinely care about protecting your livelihood because we understand what it means to have everything on the line. This isn't just business to us—it's personal.
Canterbury Born and Bred
We're based in Pegasus, right here in Canterbury. We understand the unique challenges of the local construction industry, from the post-earthquake rebuild to today's competitive market.
Local & Accessible
We're just down the road. Face-to-face meetings aren't a hassle—they're how we do business.
Canterbury Experience
We've been through the rebuild with local tradies. We know the pressures, the opportunities, and the risks.
Nationwide Service
While we're Canterbury-based, we can protect your business wherever you operate in New Zealand.
About NZ Tradies Insurance
Since 2015, we've been helping Canterbury trade business owners protect what matters most. We're not a faceless corporation—we're a family business with family values.
Our Consultative Approach
We don't sell insurance products. We solve problems. Our consultative, customer-first approach means we take the time to understand your business, your goals, and your concerns before recommending anything.
Plain Language, Real Solutions
No jargon. No complicated paperwork. Just honest, straightforward advice in plain English. We explain everything so you understand exactly what you're getting and why it matters.
Established
2015
Family Business
Values-Driven
Member
Advisernet NZ/AU
Focus
Trade Businesses
Let's Meet and Talk
This website can't build trust—but a face-to-face conversation can. Book a meeting or give us a call.
Get in Touch
We're based in Canterbury and serve trade businesses across New Zealand. The best way to start is with a no-pressure, face-to-face conversation where we can understand your business and what matters most to you.
Location
Based in Canterbury
Serving all of New Zealand
Remember: This is a journey, not a quick fix. We're looking for trade business owners ready to commit to proper protection—not just the cheapest quote. If that's you, let's talk.
Request a Meeting
Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch to arrange a time to meet.