Discussion Paper - Review Summary

July 2002

Review of the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Scheme

Policy review

The Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Commission has appointed an independent committee to conduct a review of the operation of the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Scheme. Periodic reviews are provided for in the rules of the Scheme and this is the second review, the first of which was completed in 1997. The review committee comprises an independent chair (Stuart Macaskill), two consumer/community group representatives (Mary-Jane Rivers and Helen Walch), two industry representatives (Sid Narraway and Giselle McLachlan) and a representative of the Minister of Consumer Affairs (Cindy O'Brien, MCA Policy Advisor).

The review will cover all aspects of the scheme's operation including effectiveness of publicity, access to the scheme, the appropriateness of the Scheme's rules and terms of references and efficiency of the practices and procedures adopted by the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman.

Information about the scheme may be obtained by accessing its website at www.iombudsman.org.nz . Copies of the scheme's terms of reference (recently amended) and rules can be obtained from the office of the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman, phone 04 499 7612 or iombudsman@clear.net.nz.

Submissions must be made in writing by 31 August 2002 to:

The Chairperson
Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Scheme Review Committee
PO Box 10-845
Wellington

For more information please contact Stuart Macaskill
Chair, Review Committee
Phone: 04 526-7683.