New location, same service for leaky home claims

Homeowners and others involved in leaky home claims will receive the same service from the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) when it moves to a different government department early next year.

The WHRS is being moved from the Department of Internal Affairs into the Department of Building and Housing which is taking responsibility for all regulatory and dispute resolution services related to housing.

WHRS National Manager Dr Lisa Ferguson said the WHRS will ensure that the move is as seamless as possible for all parties involved in disputes over leaky homes.

“We will ensure that everyone continues to receive the personal, confidential service they are used to from the WHRS,” Dr Ferguson said.

“The only change WHRS claimants and other parties should notice is the letterhead that they receive correspondence on.

“Claimants will retain their existing case numbers and continue to deal with the same case manager. Parties will not be required to fill in any extra forms because of the move and will be kept fully informed throughout the transition to the Department of Building and Housing.”

The WHRS was set up by the government in November 2002 to help homeowners resolve disputes over leaky homes. The WHRS provides free assessments to determine the extent of water damage as well as access to mediation and adjudication services to help resolve disputes over problems arising from leaky homes. More information about the service is available on the website www.weathertightness.govt.nz or by calling the WHRS’s 0800 116 926 helpline, which operates from 8.30am to 7.00pm on weekdays.


For more information:
Kate Harray
WHRS Communications Adviser
Phone: 04 460 5417