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Canterbury homeowners are being offered a new way to resolve their outstanding earthquake claims.
The Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal opened on June 10.
Justice Minister Andrew Little said it would be a fair, flexible and cost-effective way to resolve issues.
“This is great news for the tired and frustrated Canterbury homeowners who are still waiting for a resolution to their insurance claims from these earthquakes,” he said.
“This tribunal will be a circuit-breaker for those disputes that have dragged on for too long and for people who deserve closure and to move on with their lives.
“The tribunal gives flexibility. It will be a very human and accommodating process that gives us a much better chance of bringing resolution and conclusion to these difficult claims.”
Cases can be transferred from the High Court to the tribunal and homeowners can choose to have a representative to receive communications for them, an advocate who can speak on their behalf, and a support person to accompany them to all tribunal conferences and hearings.
The tribunal is located in Christchurch and is chaired by former District Court judge, Chris Somerville.
The Wellbeing Budget allocated $3.387 million for the establishment of the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal for the 2019/20 fiscal year.
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