Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develop practical skills in valuing variations under NZS3910 construction contracts.

• Understand how to assess changes to the original design and scope of a construction project.

• Learn how to prepare a proposed value for a variation.

• Understand the responsibilities of contractors, engineers, contract administrators and independent certifiers.

• Improve negotiation skills and learn how to consider the perspectives of all parties.

• Apply contract provisions to real construction and civil engineering case studies.

• Develop a fair and equitable approach to variation valuation for both principals and contractors.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The official brochure lists the following topics:

• A brief refresher on Section 9 of NZS3910.

• Understanding what constitutes a variation.

• The role of the Engineer or Contract Administrator and the Contractor in a variation and its valuation.

• Principles under NZS3910 for valuing variations from the perspectives of the Engineer, Contract Administrator, Independent Certifier and Contractor.

• Practical case studies across construction and civil engineering sectors.

• Case-study negotiation exercises.

By the end of the course, participants are expected to be able to:

• Understand basic negotiation skills.

• Prepare a proposed value for a variation.

• Analyse issues that lead to a variation.

• Understand the different perspectives of parties to a contract.

• Apply NZS3910 provisions when valuing variations.

• Recognise the importance of positive negotiation that considers the positions of all parties.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The course focuses on construction contract management and variation valuation, with applications in:

• Civil engineering contracts.

• Construction project administration.

• Contract administration and independent certification.

• Contractor-side variation assessment.

• Engineer-to-contract responsibilities.

• Negotiation and commercial management of project variations.

Programme Highlights

• One-day specialist course.

• Presenter: James Ogilvie.

• Four advertised 2026 city sessions on the current course page.

• Based on NZS3910:2013 and NZS3910:2023 provisions.

• Practical case studies from construction and civil engineering.

• Includes a case-study negotiation exercise.

• Domestic and international participants are charged the same published course fee.

Career Outcomes

The course may support professional development for people working in:

• Construction contract administration.

• Civil engineering project delivery.

• Contract engineering.

• Contractor project and commercial management.

• Independent contract certification.

• Construction cost and variation assessment.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The live course page lists four upcoming sessions, including a Wellington date on 14 December 2026.

• The downloadable brochure was last updated on 26 January 2026 and lists only the Tauranga, Christchurch and Auckland sessions.

• The course is based on both the 2013 and 2023 versions of NZS3910.

• Participants are expected to already understand NZS3910 provisions. This is an important prerequisite for prospective students.

• The presenter is James Ogilvie.

• The exact venue, daily timetable, assessment method and certificate arrangements are not published.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international participant travelling to New Zealand to attend this one-day course:

• Immigration New Zealand allows eligible visitors to study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period on a Visitor Visa. A one-day course is within this study-duration limit, subject to the visitor meeting all visa conditions.

• Indian passport holders should check their visa requirement before travelling and should not assume they are eligible to enter using an NZeTA.

• The Visitor Visa currently costs from NZD $441, and Immigration New Zealand reports that 80% of applications are processed within 2 weeks. Fees and processing times can change.

• Applicants must demonstrate genuine visitor intentions, good health and character, sufficient funds or acceptable sponsorship, and plans to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.

• Applicants funding their own visit generally need at least NZD $1,000 per month for living expenses, or NZD $400 per month if accommodation has already been paid.

• A Visitor Visa does not permit ordinary employment in New Zealand.

• A Student Visa is generally required for study lasting more than 3 months. This one-day course alone does not establish eligibility for a Student Visa or a post-study work visa