RAETIHI DIESEL SPILL - #15

Raetihi Businesses Attend Insurance & Compensation Meeting

Around 20 Raetihi business people comprising hospitality and accommodation providers, trades people and professional services have met with Ruapehu District Council (RDC) and its insurance advisors Aon.

RDC facilitated the meeting to provide assistance to Raetihi businesses who may want specialist advice when making insurance claims or a claim against Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) for the diesel spill that has seen the town without potable reticulated water for the last ten days.

RDC Chief Executive, Peter Till, said that Council is offering Raetihi residents the ability to get specialist advice about preparing and making a claim from Aon.

“Insured people in the first instance should lodge a claim with their own insurer and talk to them about what they need,” he said.

“If people feel they need additional help then they can contact Council and organise for an Aon representative to assist them to put their documentation together.”

“People without insurance are being advised to keep a detailed record of any costs incurred, damages or losses with supporting evidence and submit it to RAL’s insurance loss adjustor.”

Mr Till said that the meeting gave the local businesses the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues associated with making an insurance or compensation claim such as the claims process and different types of claims through to the benefits and pitfalls of collective action.

“Council felt the meeting was very positive,” he said.

“An interesting aspect of the discussion was that many people present did not want to see anything done that might limit RAL’s ability to continue as a major contributor to the local economy.”

Mr Till added that whether insured or not people are being asked to send a copy or summary of their claim to Council to assist us develop an understanding of the overall size of the losses impacted on Raetihi.

“This information will be extremely useful for the newly elected members when deliberating on any assistance Council may be in a position to provide as well as for supplying information to government agencies for support.” 
“Council has prepared two ‘Insurance and Compensation Claims’ flyers that details this advice and any contact details for seeking assistance or submitting documentation.”

“The flyers can be picked-up from Council’s Seddon St office in Raetihi or downloaded from our website; www.ruapehudc.govt.nz “

ENDS

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