Media, Commentary & News
Coverage of Tim Gunn’s insurance litigation work featured in Stuff, RNZ, LawFuel, Insurance Business, Interest.co.nz, The Post, Newsroom, NZ Herald, and international outlets.
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
Media Enquiries
For interviews or comments on insurance law issues contact:
Tim Gunn Lawyer
Email: tim@timgunn.co.nz
Phone: 027 322 6313