Materials comprised of a Paper and PowerPoint Handout. 

Presenters:

Emily Walton, Barrister, Bridgeside Chambers

Edward Hill, Director/Principal Engineer, Batchelar McDougall Consulting

Synopsis:

A year on from extreme weather events that devastated parts of Aotearoa, the impact for many of those affected is ongoing. With the frequency of these and other natural events set to increase with climate change, what lessons have been learned from previous disasters, and what can we expect of insurance providers and local authorities in the future?

Barrister Emily Walton and structural engineer Edward Hill explores the subject, highlight red flags and issues arising, and looks at what’s ahead, to help you assist clients prepare and manage the claim landscape.

These Materials will help you:

• In the context of the flooding and cyclone events of early 2023, become enlightened about the response from local authorities and insurers.
• Gain insights into what to watch out for when helping clients, including insurance policy coverage and statutory cover matters.
• Receive guidance on issues arising, drawing on previous disasters, such as the meaning of damage, the requisite repair standard and the implications of multiple events or pre-existing damage on claims. 
• Develop a constructive approach to engaging and working with engineering and other experts.
• Benefit from experienced legal and engineering perspectives about what’s ahead in this space and how to navigate it with clients in your local community.

Intended Audience:

Property lawyers, civil litigators and legal executives working in the property or litigation areas.