EQC establishes independent mediation scheme

EQC establishes independent mediation scheme

26 June 2012

Earthquake Commission customers will have access to an independent mediation service under an agreement just signed with the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ).

The agreement was signed in Wellington by EQC’s General Manager Customer Services, Bruce Emson, and AMINZ Executive Director Deborah Hart.

Mr Emson says the decision to establish an independent mediation service recognised that there were times when there could be significant differences in perspective between customers and EQC that were best resolved with the help of someone who had no personal bias.

“The aim is to provide EQC and its customers with the opportunity to look afresh with the help of a totally independent mediator who has no predetermined view,” he said.

“The essential character of disputes taken to mediation is that there has to be a good prospect they can be resolved by negotiation. They could, for instance, be about valuations or options for remediation where EQC and the customer hold divergent views.”

The service will be funded by EQC and will be free of charge to customers. If settlement is reached between the parties, an agreement is signed which is contractually binding.

Some matters, such as interpretation of legislation, will not be covered by mediation.

The mediation scheme will be administered by AMINZ. All mediators will be experienced practitioners and EQC customers will be directed to the AMINZ website to select their preferred mediator.

It is intended the mediation scheme will be operational in August 2012.

ENDS

© Scoop Media