18 Apr 2015

Group action against insurers in Christchurch

4:24 pm on 18 April 2015

A group action is being organised in Christchurch against insurers over the time they are taking to settle earthquake claims.

230414. Photo Diego Opatowski / RNZ. Christchurch. Red Zone houses.

A house in the red zone. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

Two hundred people filled the Transitional Cathedral last night to hear from speakers including the former Shareholders Association chairperson, Bruce Sheppard.

Mr Sheppard is now a director of the country's largest litigation company and said the failure of insurers to act in good faith could be the basis for a successful group action in Christchurch.

He said most of those at last night's meeting still had not had their claims settled.

Mr Sheppard said one obligation an insurer had was to proceed promptly to resolve all matters and he could not see how waiting four years could be described as prompt action.

He said at this stage the action could be worth up to $25 million but said it was still early days.

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