NEW-ZEALAND EXPERT WITNESS
New Zealand expert witnesses operate in an environment dominated by seismic risk, land instability and complex insurance reconstruction claims.
Expert witness in New Zealand: catastrophe-driven assessments and insurance dispute resolution
In New ZEaland, an expert witness is frequently decisive in disputes involving rebuilding methodology, scope of damage and allocation of liability between statutory and private insurers.
Expert evidence shaped by natural disasters
Earthquakes, flooding and storms generate long-running disputes where expert opinion is required to establish causation, repair feasibility and reinstatement costs.
Expert witnesses act as technical interpreters between engineers, insurers, courts and policyholders.
Operational role of expert witnesses
Experts inspect damaged sites, assess compliance with seismic and building standards, evaluate repair strategies and quantify financial losses.
Their reports must satisfy both insurance policy requirements and judicial evidentiary standards.
New Zealand-specific framework
The Earthquake Commission (EQC) introduces a dual compensation system requiring expert coordination between statutory cover and private insurance.
This duality is unique and central to expert witness work in New Zealand.
Regulation of expert testimony
Expert evidence is governed by the Evidence Act 2006 and High Court Rules, which impose strict duties of independence and objectivity.
Experts owe their primary duty to the court, regardless of who instructs or pays them.
Expert profiles and qualifications
Most experts are chartered engineers, quantity surveyors, forensic accountants or medical specialists with recognised professional accreditation.
Post-disaster experience is a decisive credibility factor.
Fee structures
Fees vary by complexity and duration. In insurance matters, percentage-based fees typically range from 2% to 7% of damages.
Hourly and project-based billing remains common for court-focused work.
Importance for foreign policyholders
Foreign insured parties rely on local experts to navigate seismic standards, land zoning rules and reconstruction protocols.
Expert witnesses ensure losses are framed in a way accepted by New Zealand courts and insurers.