Recent headlines have highlighted major roof repairs at Remuera’s award-winning St Marks Apartments—just six years after completion. Here’s Stamford’s take on what this means for developers, builders, and homeowners.

Sometimes even the best in the business can be caught out by unforeseen defects.

The award-winning St Marks Apartments in Remuera, Auckland, are having their roof fixed after defects were discovered due to a failure to precisely follow the manufacturer’s requirements.
Just a couple of seemingly minor changes in the materials and methods used on the roof have led to the need for a costly repair only six years later. The engineer also pointed out that the buildings probably did not conform to the Building Code, and yet they were passed by Council.

All credit to the developer, John Harman, and the main contractor, Dominion Constructors—one of New Zealand’s top contractors—who are both standing behind their work and covering the costs to remediate the three blocks. Not all owners of defective buildings are so lucky.

When even the best of the best can be caught out, it brings home the importance of having the protection of New Zealand’s leading and only insurance-backed 10-year warranty.

Stamford offers full-value policies on all projects, delivering the ultimate peace of mind for owners.

Don’t buy a home without one!

Original reporting by Anne Gibson, “Remuera’s $120m award-winning St Marks apartments under repair,” NZ Herald, 26 September 2025. Photo / Dean Purcell.