McLaren Maycroft & Co v Fletcher Development Co Ltd - [1973] 2 NZLR 100

Building contracts, engineers and architects — Architects and engineers — Where contractual relationship action for damage caused by lack of professional skill lies in contract only.

Damages — Rules and principles in awarding damages — Defendant liable to plaintiff in damages — Third party liable to defendant for breach of contract — No common liability of defendant and third party to plaintiff — No right in defendant to contribution from third party towards plaintiff's damages.

Limitation of actions — When time begins to run — Contribution and indemnity — Claim by defendant against third party — No term in contract between defendant and third party for indemnity — True cause of action breach of contract — Action barred under s 4 — Limitation Act 1950, ss 4, 14.