MEDIA RELEASE
Southern Response Class Action
In response to news that Christchurch law firm GCA Lawyers expects to shortly progress a full class action against
insurer Southern Response, its CEO Peter Rose issued a public statement suggesting that policy holders should not look
to embark on a class action without first talking to the insurer because such action would involve them in litigation
that could 'last years’ and which would be 'very expensive.’
Grant Cameron, the partner managing the legal claim, commented today that "Mr Rose clearly doesn’t understand that one
ofthe principle benefits of a class action is that cost is generally irrelevant. With only 100 people, each claimant can
expect to be paying on 1% of the overall costs and of course, with 1000 members, the cost is inconsequential. ln this
case it seems there are more than 5000 unresolved cases so cost will not be any obstacle to action. ”
"In regard to how long the proceedings will take, Mr Rose needs to consider the fast track process in the High Court at
Christchurch as that will ensure a very early trial date. The recent Quake Outcasts trial was completed about three
months after the case was #led and this class action is likely to be processed within a very similar timeframe," he
said.
'As claimants have been vigorously seeking responses from their insurer over 3 years, it seems a bit rich for Mr Rose to
now seek a discussion with litigants about the issue. Howeven Mr Rose is always welcome to come and chat with me if he
would like to explore a mutually acceptable path forward” said Mr Cameron. "In the meantime, claimants will receive full
advice about the class action at a meeting to be held on Thursday 13 March, where claimants who have registered their
interest will receive full advice as to the path forward. "
Claimants wanting to attend the meeting need to contact Laura at:
- laura@gcalawyers.com; or
- 03 365 1347