Media, Commentary & News
Tim Gunn is regularly sought for expert commentary on insurance law, civil litigation, and employment disputes by New Zealand's leading media. His cases have been reported nationally and internationally, and he has contributed analysis on insurance law reform, climate risk and insurability, mental health claims, and PFAS contamination litigation.
Below is a selection of recent reporting and commentary involving my cases and legal analysis.
FEATURED NATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE
Stuff — Mechanic ordered to repay nearly $250,000 after AIA alleges he worked while on claim
A high‑profile dispute involving AIA and allegations of working while receiving income protection payments.
Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/128622406/geoff-bagnall-is-devastated-after-insurer-aia-demanded-repayment-of-nearly-250000-claiming-the-mechanic-was-working-while-on-claim
Stuff — Depressed man wins $173,000 battle with insurer AIA
Coverage of a major mental‑health insurance dispute resulting in successful recovery for the claimant.
Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/122684931/depressed-man-wins-173000-battle-with-insurer-aia
Stuff — Westpac Life challenged after a year‑long dispute
Consumer fights insurer for the enforcement of policy entitlements.
Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/122080450/sam-robertson-battled-westpac-life-for-a-year-to-honour-its-insurance-policy
LawFuel — “Insurance Lawyer Wins Big in Mental Health Claim”
National profile article examining a successful High Court challenge concerning mental‑health‑related claim denials.
Link: https://www.lawfuel.com/insurance-lawyer-wins-big-in-mental-health-claim/
PROPERTY RISK, CLIMATE RISK & INSURABILITY
Stuff — No new insurance for Westport and Woodend
Examines insurers withdrawing cover from high‑risk regions and broader implications for homeowners.
Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/home-property/360933534/no-new-insurance-westport-and-woodend-whats-coming-homeowners?
Stuff — LIM reports and hazard zones you may never have been told about
Reporting on undisclosed land hazard information and its impact on insurance cover.
Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/home-property/360757682/lim-reports-your-house-and-hazard-zones-you-may-never-have-been-told-about
Stuff — Owning a house set to become riskier: major changes affecting property values
Analysis of climate‑risk and insurer behaviour influencing property markets.
Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360894627/owning-house-set-become-riskier-these-big-changes-could-hit-your-property-values
SIGNIFICANT CASES REPORTED IN THE MEDIA
RNZ — Family “betrayed” after insurance switch leaves them short
Coverage of a dispute involving a policy transfer and loss of benefits.
Link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/419617/family-feels-betrayed-after-insurance-switch-leaves-them-short
9News (Australia) — Woman loses home after insurer rejects brain tumour claim
International reporting on New Zealand insurance issues and claim handling.
Link: https://www.9news.com.au/world/nz-news-woman-loses-home-after-insurer-turns-down-brain-tumour-claim/4c09bedb-a1df-45b6-8567-917ad1fe73f0
The Post — Mechanic’s “insurance” ordeal after workshop blaze
Coverage of a business owner facing insurer resistance following catastrophic loss.
Link: https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/350313121/mechanics-insurance-ordeal-after-workshop-blaze
Insurance Business — Cancer patient’s insurance termination “all too familiar”
Industry publication examining unjustified policy cancellations.
Link: https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/nz/news/breaking-news/cancer-patient-insurance-termination-a-situation-that-is-all-too-familiar-166434.aspx
PROPERTY DAMAGE & LIABILITY CASES
Stuff — Mystery digger vandalism, Flat Bush
Coverage of significant property damage linked to vandalism; legal claims arising from the event.
Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/300331427/mystery-digger-vandal-emergency-stop-button-prevented-more-houses-being-destroyed-in-aucklands-flat-bush
Stuff — Mystery digger vandal damaged house must be rebuilt from scratch
Follow‑up coverage on liability, damages, and insurer responsibilities.
Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/125462738/mystery-digger-vandal-damaged-house-has-to-be-rebuilt-from-scratch
LEGAL COMMENTARY, ANALYSIS & PUBLIC OPINION
Insurance Business — “Insurance laws allow patently unfair policy wording,” says lawyer
Commentary on deficiencies in New Zealand’s insurance legislation.
Link: https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/nz/news/breaking-news/insurance-laws-allow-patently-unfair-policy-wording-says-lawyer-105270.aspx
Interest.co.nz — Lawyer welcomes Insurance Contracts Law Review
Analysis of long‑anticipated reforms addressing policy wording and insurer duties.
Link: https://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/94618/lawyer-welcomes-insurance-contracts-law-review-citing-policies-give-insurers
Interest.co.nz — Insurance’s mental‑health trap
Exploration of non‑disclosure law and its impact on mental‑health‑related claims.
Link: https://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/89348/lawyer-concerned-insurers-archaic-practice-good-faith-risks-seeing-society-take
PUBLIC INTEREST, REGULATION & POLICY
Newsroom — Government delays employment advocate regulation
Coverage of wider regulatory issues relevant to litigants and claimants.
Link: https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/21/disappointing-govt-kicks-employment-advocate-regulation-down-the-road/
Newsroom — New law to resolve business stoushes: “Justice delayed is justice denied”
Discussion of reforms affecting dispute resolution and access to justice.
Link: https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/08/22/new-law-to-resolve-business-stoushes-says-justice-delayed-is-justice-denied/
NZ Herald / Whanganui Chronicle — PFAS contamination: “More action needed”
Coverage of PFAS contamination litigation involving affected communities.
Link: http://nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/lawyer-more-action-needed-on-pfas-chemicals-at-ohakea-air-force-base/YOTPMNC3CWECGO7JT3CMIX35HY/
RNZ — Toxic foam: Government admits new health‑impact testing essential
Policy issues involving environmental contamination and liability.
Link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/355179/toxic-foam-govt-admits-new-test-to-assess-health-impacts-essential
RNZ — Line workers ripped off by Visionstream contracts
Coverage of worker exploitation and contractual fairness issues.
Link: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/384411/line-workers-ripped-off-by-contracts-from-chorus-subcontractor-visionstream-lawyer
Stuff — Shine Lawyers call for government transparency over toxic foam
Public interest reporting on harmful substances and government accountability.
Link: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/103285314/shine-lawyers-calls-for-government-transparency-over-toxic-foam
BLOG ARTICLES
Media Enquiries
For interviews or comments on insurance law issues contact:
Tim Gunn Lawyer
Email: tim@timgunn.co.nz
Phone: 027 322 6313
