*ARCHIVE* - Weathertight homes service assessments underway - 19 Dec 2002

Homeowners with leaky homes are receiving help from the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service now that assessors, mediators and case managers have been appointed.

The newly appointed manager of the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service, David Curry, says three case managers are now liasing with affected home owners and cases are being progressively referred to assessors who will provide the free, independent assessments of property damage.

Twelve assessors have been employed and the first bookings have been made with home owners who are seeking to resolve their leaky building problems through the Service.

Mr Curry said further assessors will be appointed next year if required.

Eight mediators have been appointed so far and more appointments are underway.

Almost six hundred people have indicated they are interested in using the Service and, by noon today, 115 homeowners had lodged their application for a property assessment.

Up until noon today, 1632 calls had been received by the Service.

Mr Curry says the freephone 0800 116 926 will continue to operate from Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 7.00pm, except on statutory holidays.

The Weathertightness website www.weathertightness.govt.nz is being maintained and the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service can be contacted through that website.

For more information contact:
Suzanne Pollard
Communications Adviser - Weathertightness Project
Department of Internal Affairs
Tel: (04) 495-9496