What does a construction claims consultant cost in New Zealand?
At CMPC, between NZ$150 and NZ$500 an hour, depending on the work. Claim management costs about $150 an hour. Specialist work such as forensic delay analysis costs up to $500 an hour. For a defined job we can agree a fixed fee before we start.
What sets the rate
- 01Claim management (preparing and tracking payment claims, variations and notices): about $150 an hour.
- 02Forensic delay analysis (working out from the programme and project records what caused a delay, to support an extension of time claim or a dispute): up to $500 an hour.
- 03Other work, such as claim preparation or adjudication support, sits between the two, depending on how complex it is and how much expert analysis it needs.
How to keep the cost down
- 01Bring the records early: the contract, programme, correspondence, site diaries and payment history. Less time searching means a smaller bill.
- 02Ask for a fixed fee when the job is clear, such as a review of one claim.
- 03Get help before a dispute starts. A notice sent on time costs far less than an argument about a missed one.
From practice
Whoever you hire, ask for an estimate of hours before they start and a heads-up when they reach most of it. No surprises on either side.
Rates as at 31 October 2026, in NZ dollars. Every quote is confirmed in writing before work starts.