Travel and Learning Award for Mary Haggie
Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Award
Mary’s plan
Mary is travelling to the United Kingdom to review recent strategies to increase the numbers of women appointed as adjudicators under their equivalent legislation. In 2023, the Centre for Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at Kings College in London reported that only 7% of adjudication panel members were women. Mary will look at the barriers to women’s appointment and whether the strategies adopted have changed behaviour and/or outcomes. Mary will also compare the UK appointments and process with the situation in New Zealand, and assess the lessons that may be transferable. She will interview authors of the Kings College report as well as adjudicators, members of the Women in Adjudicator group, the Adjudication Society, adjudication panels, and practitioners.
About Mary
Mary is a barrister sole specialising in construction law. The main focus of her current work is as an adjudicator under the Construction Contracts 2002. Construction disputes referred to adjudication are typically complex with substantial amounts involved. Mary is a member of the adjudicator’s panel for the Building Disputes Tribunal and has adjudicated multiple construction disputes under the Act. She is also a member of the Society of Construction Law. From 2007 to 2016, Mary was a partner at Kensington Swan in Wellington and co-leader of the national construction law team.
Grant Amount
$10,000 in 2026 to support travel
“The Borrin Foundation fosters principles of diversity, inclusion and equity. I am grateful for this award as it will assist me to advance these principles in the area of construction law.”