July 2025 update: Master Builders and the Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (STCF) are pleased to announce the release of the latest version of the standard subcontract agreement SA-2025.

This updated Subcontract Agreement is the culmination of a robust and collaborative review process involving contractors, subcontractors, legal experts, and industry stakeholders. It reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to improve construction outcomes through fair, balanced, and modern contract practices.

A Major Step Forward for Industry Contracting

First introduced in 2009, the SA series has become the preferred standard form subcontract used across New Zealand’s construction sector. SA-2025 builds on the strengths of its predecessors, SA-2009 and SA-2017, by aligning closely with NZS 3910:2023, integrating legislative updates, and responding to evolving project delivery practices.

SA-2025 introduces important enhancements, including:

• Improved alignment with NZS 3910:2023: ensuring smoother contract administration and consistency across head and subcontract levels.
• Clearer risk allocation and obligations: addressing design responsibilities, final accounts, QA requirements, hot works protocols, and retention release mechanics.
• Increased transparency and fairness: through clearer notice provisions, better-defined variation and delay protocols, and safeguards against poor contract practices.

A Collaborative Industry Effort

Throughout the review process, the STCF played a critical role in representing subcontractors’ perspectives and offering targeted feedback on practical issues such as documentation obligations, insurance compliance, and delay notification procedures.

Master Builders CEO, Ankit Sharma said while not every proposal was adopted, significant compromises were reached particularly around retention payment timing, QA obligations, and novation consent, ensuring SA-2025 works effectively for both contractors and subcontractors.

“We thank the STCF, particularly Richard Arkinstall and Rod Fulford, for their valuable contributions and ongoing advocacy. The engagement between our organisations has strengthened this document and reaffirmed our shared commitment to lifting performance, accountability and collaboration in our sector,” Sharma said.

STCF President, Tina Wieczorek, believes SA-2025 represents real progress.

“While we continue to advocate for improvements in project documentation and equitable contract management, this version is a significant improvement in recognising and supporting the role of subcontractors’ within project construction,” Wieczorek said.

This edition also acknowledges the contribution of Rodney (Rod) Fulford, who passed away in June 2025. Rod was instrumental in the original development of the SA agreement in 2009 and remained closely involved in every iteration since, including SA-2025. His deep industry knowledge, tireless advocacy, and commitment to fair subcontracting practices helped shape this document into the trusted standard it is today. His legacy continues through this agreement and the improvements it delivers for the sector.

Both Master Builders and STCF are proud to present SA-2025 as a practical, fair, and modern subcontract that serves the needs of today’s construction environment.

STCF will have the document available for download from their website https://www.nzstcf.org.nz/ and participating STCF members have a copy to send direct to their members. Master Builders will have the document available to members download from their member portal https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Offsite.

You can also download the documents here

For additional enquiries:

• Master Builders: [email protected]
• STCF: [email protected]

Source: Master Builders, Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (STCF)