Advisory Committee

The New Zealand Claims Resolution Service (NZCRS) Advisory Committee advises on matters crucial to the resolution of outstanding claims. It has oversight of NZCRS services’ performance, monitors progress against service objectives and can recommend service improvements.

The Advisory Committee has an advisory role. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is responsible for the overall governance of the NZCRS, reporting to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference for the NZCRS Advisory Committee

Members of the Advisory Committee

  • Chair – a senior MBIE representative
  • A senior Toka Tū Ake EQC representative
  • The Chair of the Legal Advisory Group
  • The Chair of the Engineering Advisory Group
  • A wellbeing representative
  • Chairs of any active regional Homeowner Advisory Groups

Latest meeting minutes - 5 March 2024

Present

  • Ingrid Bayliss (Chair)
  • Tania Williams (General Manager – Member Services, Engineering New Zealand)
  • Tom McBrearty (Chair, Canterbury Homeowner Advisory Group)
  • Tim Grafton (Chief Executive, ICNZ)
  • Edward Butler (Solicitor, MBIE)
  • Hamish Wall (Strategic Advisor, Toka Tū Ake EQC)

In attendance

  • Darren Wright (Director, NZCRS)
  • Susan Rolton (Team Leader Support, NZCRS)
  • Sarah Knox (ICNZ)

Apologies

  • Kirsty Hamilton (Principal Advisor, NZCRS)
  • Tina Mitchell (Chief Executive, Toka Tū Ake EQC)
  • Casey Hurren (Chief Executive, Southern Response)

Meeting administration

Conflicts of interest

  1. No conflicts of interest were declared.

Actions

  1. Actions from the previous meeting reviewed and progress noted on the actions register.

Items

NZCRS operational

  1. The Director spoke to his February 2024 Report. Discussion followed and the committee noted the demand for services, although trending downwards, there had been an increase in cases closing.
  2. A staffing update was provided with the Director advising average caseloads are now at an appropriate level.
  3. As to Canterbury Earthquakes Sequence (CES) cases, the committee discussed the focus and progression of aged cases (pre-2021).
  4. The committee discussed the increased complexity involved with current cases.
  5. The exit survey results were noted with satisfaction remaining strong with 88% of homeowners reporting they would recommend the NZCRS to others.
  6. The Director discussed the focus on wellbeing support over the past quarter and the delivery of these services to homeowners across the country.
  7. Toka Tū Ake EQC’s procurement process for their dispute resolution scheme was discussed with NZCRS confirming they were not the successful applicant. Public consultation on the scheme closes 6th March 2024.
  8. NZCRS noted concerns on section 72 notices and how they are applied when homeowners are repairing their properties.  NZCRS has met with Toka Tū Ake EQC and is waiting on feedback.  This includes future insurability of retaining walls and structures such as rock catch fences.

Advisory group update

Canterbury Homeowner Advisory Group

  1. The Chair acknowledged significant contribution Tim Grafton, Chief Executive ICNZ has made to the committee, GCCRS and NZCRS.
  2. Building supply and demand across the regions was discussed.

Legal Advisory Group

  1. As to Tribunal cases, the Director noted there has been an increase in numbers. Discussion commenced and noted the attendance of Toka Tū Ake EQC senior lawyers at Tribunal hearings.
  2. Hazard notices and how these are triggered was discussed.

Engineering Advisory Group

  1. The continuing trend in reinstatement recommendation referrals was noted.
  2. Toka Tū Ake EQC’s dispute resolution scheme in relation to expert advice and the engineering panel was discussed. 
  3. The benefits of forming lessons learnt panel after an event was endorsed by the committee.

Review of agenda

General business

  1. Tim Grafton (ICNZ) advised the committee of his retirement and acknowledged the immense contribution NZCRS has made to homeowners since the inception of this service.
  2. The committee thanked Tim for his commitment and significant contribution to NZCRS and its former entities, insurance industry and homeowners.
  3. Procurement for NZCRS legal advice service out for tender.
  4. NZCRS in process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
  5. The next Advisory Committee meeting date scheduled for 7 May 2024 and will be held online only.

Meeting closed: 1.52pm