TERMS & CONDITIONS
Effective from May 1st 2026
We ALWAYS want to create a perfect event with wonderful memories and we love working with our wonderful clients, our Terms & Conditions are designed to assist and protect both parties, so everyone knows what is expected and so memories created are not spoilt by differences in expectation. LaValla is dedicated to all clients, past, present and future with many returning regularly to enjoy our services. With many years of experience and thousands of happy guests LaValla prides itself on its beautiful facilities, high standard of service and guest care and high-quality food.
At LaValla we believe you enter as strangers and leave as friends.
In these Terms & Conditions "LaValla" refers to LaValla Functions Ltd and "The Client" refers to the Booking Person, Booking Company, or Representative of the Booking Person or Company.
Events and Services held at or provided by LaValla Functions Ltd are "live" events and involve many interlinking factors, as such it is common for timings to change and the needs of the client and their guests to change during an event. While pre-consultations are made with a client relating to timings, inclusions and expectations of how an event will be operated, things can change and it may be necessary to adjust these on the moment to ensure the success and safety of an event. LaValla are always willing to work with clients and their guests to ensure a positive result and all reasonable efforts will be made by LaValla to perform an event or service agreed to at the time of consultation. Should changes be necessary during an event LaValla will take reasonable steps to inform the organiser "client" and or its representatives, in the event it is not possible to consult during the event, LaValla will reserves the right to make decisions that impact the health and safety, legality and or comfort of guests, at their sole discretion. Health and safety and legality take precedence over all client instructions. LaValla and its staff and representatives take no liability for not being able to fulfil all or part of the pre-consultation arrangements should they risk Health and Safety of any person or property, are deemed illegal in any way, may compromise the reputation of LaValla or negatively impact the experience of any current or future LaValla client or guest. Equally the client and or representatives must inform LaValla and its staff and representatives at the earliest convenience of any changes or expectations during an event to allow LaValla to best fulfil the clients needs and expectations. Should LaValla, its staff or representative not be able to reasonably fulfil changes during a live event they will advise at the time and where reasonably and where possible offer an alternative solution. Where client lead changes are significant or not included in the agreed service levels additional charges may apply.
Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before booking an event at LaValla. By booking “The Client” agrees to be bound by the following Terms & Conditions.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
1. Agreement
1.1 Bookings are subject to the availability of the date, time and space agreed between the client and LaValla. Dates, times and spaces are not deemed to be confirmed until a deposit is paid in full by the due date of the deposit invoice. LaValla requires full payment prior to the booking date unless agreed otherwise in writing by LaValla. Failure to pay the booking and event costs by the due dates may result in the cancellation of the event and forfeit of the deposit at the discretion of LaValla. LaValla takes no responsibility or liability for lost deposits, prepayments made, or other costs relating to the booking by the client should the client not fulfil the agreed terms in the terms and conditions set out below.
2. Payment
2.1 Payment All bookings for LaValla hosted functions must be accompanied by full payment within the payment terms applied on the invoice. Payment can be made in the form of cash, bank deposit and Online or Card Not Present Credit Card Payments. Credit card payment transactions for Online or Card Not Present transactions are subject to surcharges valid at the time of payment.
2.2 GST will apply to all goods and services supplied where applicable. Prices are in New Zealand dollars and include GST unless otherwise stated.
2.3 Deposits – Deposits paid to LaValla by the Client to book an event or service are Non-refundable should the Client change their mind or for whatever reason choose or be unable to continue their booking. Deposits paid by the client will be deducted from balance of the final invoice.
Note: Please also see Postponement and Cancellation Clauses below.
2.4 Installments - LaValla may require instalment payments to secure 3rd party suppliers on behalf of the client, to cover staff and event expenses incurred prior to the event date. Installment payments are not interest bearing and reflect the size and scale of an event. Deposits paid remain non-refundable as per terms and conditions. Where an event is cancelled by a client for whatsoever reason, Installment payments may be retained by LaValla where LaValla has incurred costs due to purchase or service relating to the event and or 3rd party supplier costs have been incurred in event preparation and or in line with payment due dates noted in section 4. Cancellations.
2.5 Bond - Where a bond is held, LaValla, on the completion of the event will complete an inspection of the facilities accessed by the client and their guests. On completion of an inspection, LaValla will refund the bond in full, provided there is no damage or breakages outside of normal wear and tear, or excessive cleaning caused by the client and guests. LaValla reserves the right to retain all or part of the bond as part or all of LaValla’s remediation costs. Where a bond or part there of is being refunded, this will occur within 10 working days of the date of the event.
2.6 LaValla Unable to Complete - In the unlikely event LaValla is unable to complete the booking through no fault of the client, deposits already paid may be transferred to another mutually agreed date or refunded to the client if no suitable date is found.
2.7 Guest Numbers - Final guest event numbers must be provided by the client to LaValla no later than 7 days prior to the booking date to ensure LaValla has sufficient time to plan and prepare for the event. These numbers are deemed by LaValla to be Final Confirmed Numbers and will be invoiced to the client as such. Should numbers reduce, or client guests be unable to attend no refund will be provided, however guests may be replaced. Additional numbers may be added if agreed by LaValla to ensure facility, staffing and preparation allows.
2.8 Debt collection. If the client owes LaValla any money, for services rendered or relating to cancellation or postponement. The client shall indemnify LaValla from and against all costs and disbursements incurred in recovering the debt. (including but not limited to internal administration fees, legal costs of a solicitor and own client bases, LaValla collection agency costs.
3. Postponement
3.1 LaValla strongly values our clients and client relationships, and understand that from time to time things happen, where possible, where reasonable notice is provided for the type of event, lead time and expected value of the booking, LaValla may at its SOLE discretion accommodate the transfer of deposits paid to a new date for the same event. Deposits will only be transferred if by doing so LaValla is not risking the viability of its operation or the ability to fulfil future client bookings. Deposits may only be transferred ONCE for any event.
Note: Due to the nature and lead times associated with our business, (often several months to a year), postponement and or cancellation rarely allows the opportunity for a date to be rebooked at a similar value. This can have a significant impact on the viability of the business, potentially impacting future clients and employees. As such bookings between LaValla and the Client should be entered into in good faith with full intent to complete under the initial booking details and that any changes, postponements or cancellations that may result are not easily anticipated by either party.. Our postponement and cancellation policy is designed to protect future clients, including you and the business and employees as a whole. Considering this “Postponement” is defined by LaValla as “An event booked at LaValla by the Client where a deposit has been paid in full and on time, where through all reasonable efforts by the client cannot be fulfilled on the initial booking date and needs to be rescheduled to an alternative date within 6 months of the initial booking. Postponement is only valid for the same event and client and is not transferrable as cash or part payment for an un-related event, product or service. Postponement will only be accepted if the new event date is for 80% or more of the initial agreed guest numbers or quoted total value of the original booking unless otherwise agreed in writing by LaValla ”. In all other situations LaValla will treat the postponement as a cancellation.
4. Cancellations
4.1 Cancellations by the Client of a booked event within 28 days of the booking date will incur a charge of 50% of the fixed costs quoted by LaValla, fixed costs refer to but are not limited to venue and hire fees of LaValla plus the cost of any items or booking made on behalf of the client through third party suppliers. Cancellations by the Client of a booked event within 14 days of the booking date will incur a charge of 100% of the fixed costs quoted by LaValla. Fixed costs refer to, but are not limited to venue and hireage fees of LaValla, goods purchased and or services rendered plus any booking made on behalf of the client through third party suppliers. Cancellations by the Client within 7 days of the booking date will incur a charge of 100% of the fixed costs quoted by LaValla and 100% of costs calculated based on final numbers, this includes but is not limited to cost of food, staffing, venue fees and accommodation. This clause is a reflection of LaValla being a pre-booked venue hosting events and services that cannot be readily replaced to the same or similar value within short timeframes. By signing this agreement and or payment of the deposit, the client accepts LaValla's cancellation policy in full. No exceptions to this clause are valid unless agreed to in writing and approved by both the Client and LaValla.
5. Force Majeure/Act’s of God
5.1 Force Majeure/Act's of God. Where events occur that are out of control of LaValla such as but not limited to, Natural Disasters, War, Civil Unrest, Utilities failure or Government Instructions, and an event or service is unable to be performed at the agreed facility, date or time. In Force Majeaure circumstances, LaValla takes no responsibility or liability for cost or loss to the client due to not being able to fulfil an event or service.
Where possible when conditions are restored LaValla will work with the Client to arrange a mutually suitable alternative date for the event. Once agreed deposits paid will be transferred to the agreed alternative date or refunded if no suitable date is found.
6. Liability
6.1 - Responsibility to Future Guests - LaValla requires all guests attending an event related to the clients booking to respect the property, staff and grounds of LaValla and understand that we have a responsibility to future guests to maintain a high standard of facility.
6.2 – Damage & Cleaning - All bookings include allocation of "normal" wear and tear, cleaning and servicing. The client accepts full liability for any loss, damage or excessive cleaning to any property belonging to LaValla, where such damage was caused by the client or the clients guest/s. Excessive cleaning/damage includes but is not limited to wax on table cloths, excessive spillage, damage to LaValla property, walls, chairs, tables and grounds work, removal of any biohazards, removal of prohibited substances. Charges for loss, damage or excessive cleaning will reflect the current market value for replacement, repair, staff or third party time or risk to restore LaValla property back to the pre-damage standard. Should loss, damage or excessive cleaning caused by the client or the clients guest/s impede the ability of LaValla to meet the needs of future clients, the client may be held liable for loss of future business or insurance excesses where applicable.
6.3 Personal Property - LaValla will take all possible care, however will not take any responsibility for any loss or damage to any items of property belonging to guests or other persons prior to, during or after the event or duration of stay.
6.4 Lost & Found - Items left at LaValla are at the owners risk and if not collected within two weeks of the event may be disposed of, return of lost items by courier or mail will be at the cost of the client.
6.5 Damage to LaValla Facility - Where damage or loss occurs as a result of the client or their guests actions or in-actions that is subject to a successful insurance claim applied to LaValla, the client agrees to pay any associated insurance excess for each associated claim, please note associated claim is subject to the insurance companies interpretation of an individual claim or claims. A single action or event may result in multiple claims or damages.
7. Health & Safety
7.1 Health & Safety - The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requires visitors to take reasonable care that their actions (or lack of action) do not put themselves or others at risk and follow any reasonable health and safety instructions given to them by LaValla, its staff or representatives.
7.2 Guest Behaviour - Should any guest/s behaviour be deemed unacceptable, unsafe, offensive or threatening to any other person/s, including staff, other guests or the public, Lavalla will without hesitation, exclude the offending person/s from the event and premises. Charges may be laid if the behaviour is deemed to be illegal. LaValla will not provide refunds relating to inappropriate guest behaviour.
8. General
8.1 Liquor License - LaValla is a fully licenced venue, we want everyone, guests and staff, to have a great time and a safe time. LaValla staff and management have total discretion about the service of alcohol and failure to comply may result in guests being removed from the premises or cessation of the function.
8.2 Bar and Music - Bar and music facilities will close 30 minutes prior to function closing time or 11.30pm, whichever is earlier.
8.3 Event Timing – Each event will have timing specified based on the booking requirements and event. Event Premises are to be vacated no later than 12:00am or 30 minutes after the completion of the function, whichever is earlier.
8.4 Smoking and Vaping - All buildings at LaValla are non-smoking or vaping. Guests are welcome to smoke or vape outside in designated areas - please use the ashtrays provided.
8.5 Payment Methods - LaValla accepts, VISA, MASTERCARD, EFTPOS, Cash and Direct Credit. Surcharges and Limits may apply. LaValla is happy to work with clients on payment plans if preferred.
8.6 Payment Tabs - If utilising a bar tab, the tab will be run as per arrangement with the client. Beverages will be charged on a consumption basis. The beverage selection and pricing is subject to change without notice due to availability and cost of purchase. A credit card may be held to guarantee flexible costs that are to be charged at the completion of the function.
8.7 BYO Beverage Rules- LaValla is a licensed venue offering a full range of quality wines and beverages. No BYO is permitted unless agreed in writing at the time of final consultation, a corkage fee is charged should BYO arrangements be approved.
8.8 Marketing and Promotion - Promotional photographs and film footage may be taken. By entering LaValla Functions you consent to the use of your image by LaValla for promotional purposes. Should the client wish to remove consent for LaValla to use footage for promotion prior notice must be provided to LaValla in writing.
9. Functions and Events
9.1 Exclusive Use - Events and services booked at LaValla by the Client are NOT considered "exclusive use" of all LaValla facilities unless expressly agreed to at the time of booking. Due to the nature of LaValla facilities, it is common for multiple events, conferences, accommodation or similar to operate simultaneously. Should the client wish to have exclusive use of LaValla facilities please make this known at the time of booking. Exclusive use of the facilities requires the client to book and pay charges for all the facilities event if not utilised by the client to reflect the inability of LaValla to operate at full commercial capacity, this is particularly relevant to wedding bookings where set up and preparation may span over several bookable periods or days.
9.2 Multi Purpose Property LaValla 131-139 Dominion Road, is a multi purpose property, which includes farm, commercial, and private residence. Booking of LaValla provides access to the booked facilities only and does not provide access by clients or their guest/s to areas beyond the hedges of the function lawns and operating buildings run and leased by LaValla Functions Ltd. Due to the nature of other businesses operating on the greater property, access beyond the function spaces are a health and safety and security risk. LaValla and its associated tenants, owners and businesses take no liability for injury, death, damages, legal charges or costs, caused by unauthorised or un-supervised entrance to any area not expressly booked by the client.
If you have any questions about our Terms & Conditions, please write to:
LaValla Functions
Changes to this policy - LaValla Terms & Conditions are subject to change from time to time. Where Terms & Conditions are updated to reflect changes to NZ Law and Liability these changes will automatically apply to all existing client bookings. Where changes are made LaValla will endeavour to update and advise all existing client bookings of the new Terms and Conditions.
EVENT SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
1. LaValla reserves the right to cancel or postpone an event at no cost or detriment to LaValla if payment terms are not met by the client. Unless otherwise agreed, payment terms refer to the terms of payment in the current "General Terms and Conditions" of LaValla. Any agreed changes or alterations to these payment terms must be agreed to in writing by LaValla.
2. External suppliers: Clients are welcome to engage external suppliers. The client must advise LaValla of all external suppliers engaged by the client and provide contact details of the external supplier to LaValla. External suppliers are subject to the same terms and conditions as the client and LaValla reserves the right to refuse or cancel the right of the external supplier should they not comply with all reasonable, legal or health and safety instruction of LaValla or imposed on LaValla by authorities. As part of LaValla's general terms and conditions the client takes responsibility for any damages or loss to LaValla caused by the actions or inactions of external suppliers.
Where the client has requested and agreed for LaValla to engage an external supplier (for example a marquee hire company, DJ or any other 3rd party service provider) as part of their agreement with LaValla. The client agrees to cover all costs and obligations associated with the booking terms and conditions of the external supplier whether they are the same or differ from LaValla terms and conditions. Third party costs and obligations are considered “over and above” LaValla costs and obligations as outlined in these terms and conditions.
3. Music and Audio Events: LaValla is restricted by local resource consents limiting music and amplified sound to agreed Db limits and operating times. All music and amplified sound must be inside by 10pm and cease by 11:30pm and comply with decibel limits at the property boundary. LaValla reserves the right to require sound volume to be reduced or turned off to meets is consent obligations. Failure to comply may result in the event being closed prior to booking times. LaValla takes no liability for costs or loss relating to non-compliance with sound requirements, either in the early cancellation of an event or relating to cost of hire of 3rd parties.
4. Alcohol and Illegal Drugs: LaValla is a fully licensed premise. As such LaValla are subject to National and Local alcohol laws. Our priority is the safety of all persons on premise and the extended community. LaValla reserves the right to restrict or refuse the service or consumption of alcohol to any person at any time for any reason. LaValla is not bound legally to serve or supply any person alcohol even if permitted by their license to do so. Should LaValla, its staff or representatives become aware of guests bringing or consuming BYO alcohol or illegal substances on LaValla premises the client risks the event being cancelled and or police being engaged. Clients or their guests who attempt to purchase or supply alcohol to prohibited persons or persons who have been refused service by LaValla staff risk immediate exclusion from the event or property.
5. Event Timings: Events will operate within the agreed times booked between LaValla and the Client but must be completed at the latest by 11:30pm with all guests leaving the event by 12am. Where an event runs overtime, additional venue and staff charges may be incurred by the Client.
6. Smoking and Vaping: All buildings and verandas at LaValla are Non-Smoking, Non-Vaping or E-Cigarette use areas. Designated areas are provided for Smoking, Vaping and E-cigarette use and will be advised by LaValla. Please protect the beauty of the gardens by using ashtrays provided.
7. Venue and Fixed pricing is valid at the time of quotation and will remain valid for a period of 60 days from quotation date. Food and Beverage pricing is dependant on market factors and is subject to change without notice to reflect true cost of supply. Please take this into consideration when booking events with extended lead times between booking and event.
8. Bar Tabs will be negotiated at the time of booking and full payment is due on the day of the event at the completion of the event or before. LaValla, its staff and representative will take all reasonable care to meet tab restrictions but request the authorised client or representative remain in contact with the bar through the course of the event.
9. Accommodation: LaValla is pleased to offer limited onsite accommodation, for health and safety reasons it is important occupancy numbers are known and kept within legal limits. As access to accommodation is often self-check in please inform LaValla of changes to bookings and stays for health and safety reasons.
10. Food provided for an event and not consumed during the event is deemed the property of LaValla. No food or alcohol may be removed from the designated function area.
By signing these terms and conditions, I commit to booking my event with LaValla and I accept the terms and conditions in their entirety. Should any individual clause be deemed un-lawful or un-enforceable all other clauses remain valid under this agreement. Please note in the absence of a signed contract, payment of the deposit is also deemed acceptance of the terms and conditions provided at the time of invoice. Any variation to the terms and conditions for a specific event or service must be agreed in writing and signed and approved by an authorised representative of LaValla.
NAME OF CLIENT/ HIRER:______________________________
EVENT: _______________________________________________ EVENT DATE: ______________________
SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________ DATE SIGNED ______________________
CLIENT CONTACT PHONE ______________________
LAVALLA REPRESENTATIVE: ____________________________ DATE:____________________