ACC says it has engaged with new providers of review and dispute resolution services.
The Independent Complaint and Review Authority Ltd (ICRA) will provide independent reviewer and dispute resolution services alongside FairWay Resolution Ltd.
ICRA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the New Zealand Dispute Resolution Centre Ltd. Half of the shares in the Centre are owned by each of Heather Green and John Green, who are also sole directors.
Talk Meet Resolve will also provide Alternative Dispute Resolution services, focusing on using conciliation. The service describes itself as an independent conciliation service. Dunedin lawyer Warren Forster is one of the directors.
ACC says ICRA and FairWay Resolution can now hold review hearings over video conference. In-person hearings are still held in Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Napier/Hastings, New Plymouth, Wellington, Blenheim/Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Case conferences for every review are also being introduced. This is a phone call between ACC, the client, and an independent reviewer.