7 October 2002 Media Statement

Mediation service expert group begins work

An expert group begins work today to establish a mediation service to help people seeking remedies for ‘leaky buildings’.

The meeting follows Internal Affairs Minister George Hawkins recent announcement of the formation of a mediation service to examine the issue.

The group will support Internal Affairs in developing a framework and terms of reference for the service. Its work will take approximately a fortnight.

The systems, assessors, mediators and publicity necessary for the service to get underway will be put in place in the following weeks.

The group consists of people skilled in financial, construction and dispute resolution areas:
Don Hunn (chair) Former State Services Commissioner. Chair of the Overview Group on the Watertightness of Buildings.
Tomas Kennedy-Grant (pron. ‘Toe Mas’). Mediator, arbitrator and legal adviser. Member of the Overview Group.
Ian Bond Engineer. Member of the Overview Group.
Brian Roche Senior Partner, Price Waterhouse Coopers.
David Kernohan Architect. Member of the Overview Group.

In addition to the work done by the expert group, Internal affairs will provide and draw in a range of other assistance as the project continues. It is intended the first mediations will be underway before Christmas.

MEDIA ADVISORY: The group will meet for the first time at 12 noon Monday 7 October, Department of Internal Affairs, Ist floor, 46 Waring Taylor St, Wellington.

The group’s meetings will not be open to the media or public but there will be a photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting.

ENDS

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