DHL International (NZ) Ltd v Richmond Ltd - [1993] 3 NZLR 10

Shipping and navigation — Bill of lading — Bailee's duty of care — Bearer bill of lading misdelivered by courier — Liability of bailee courier for misdelivery.

Contract — Interpretation — Exclusion and limitation clauses — Contractual time bar on claims — International contractual arrangements between commercial firms — Rules of construction — Whether construction based on natural and plain meaning of contract.

Contract — Breach — Contractual duty of care — Misdelivery of bill of lading by courier — Liability for losses arising from misdelivery.

Equity — Fiduciary relationship — Arm's length commercial relationship — Characteristics of fiduciary relationship — Whether fiduciary duties created and breached by courier opening package and acting on information contained therein.

Damages — Assessment — Exclusion and liability limitation clauses — Observations as to contractual liability for consequential loss and relationship in equity.