What is the Building Disputes Tribunal (BDT)?
Short answer
The Building Disputes Tribunal is a private dispute-resolution service specialising in construction contract disputes. It's the main nominating body for adjudications under the Construction Contracts Act and runs mediation, arbitration, and expert determinations. Unlike the (free) Disputes Tribunal, BDT is paid for by the parties — but it has no claim-size cap and uses construction specialists as adjudicators.
Key facts
- Private service, not a government body
- Specialises in construction contracts
- Primary nominating body for CCA adjudications
- Also runs mediation, arbitration, expert determination
- Fees paid by parties (typically split or allocated by decision)
- Adjudicators usually QS, engineers, or construction lawyers
When to use BDT vs the (free) Disputes Tribunal
Free Disputes Tribunal: money under $60k, no lawyers, basic disputes.
BDT adjudication: any size, binding, used for in-progress construction disputes where time matters. Adjudicators have construction expertise.
BDT mediation / arbitration: when both parties want to keep it private and avoid the courts. Common in commercial work, occasional on big residential.
How to start
For CCA adjudication: serve a Notice of Adjudication. Within 5 working days, BDT (or another nominating body) appoints an adjudicator. Submissions, then decision within ~28 working days.
For mediation/arbitration: contact BDT, agree on terms, pay deposit, schedule.
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Related questions
Sources: Building Disputes Tribunal — buildingdisputestribunal.co.nz; Construction Contracts Act 2002. General information for NZ homeowners, not legal advice — building rules change and vary by council, so confirm critical details on the official source before acting. Last updated 2026-05.