New Zealand’s Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman received 985 complaints in the December-March period, and investigated 100.

Of the cases investigated, 17 were related to the Canterbury earthquakes.

This compares to 895 complaints with 60 investigated in the previous corresponding period.

“We’re pleased to hear from more consumers who have issues and questions about insurance or financial services,” Ombudsman Karen Stevens said. “Our service is free and independent, and we are here to help.”

Most of the Canterbury disputes involved cash settlement issues, repair or rebuild costs and the scope of work.

“Effective dispute resolution is about bringing two parties together, listening to both sides and considering the facts as an independent third party,” Ms Stevens said.

“We are doing our best to help resolve Canterbury complaints in this way, and we continue to adapt our approach to deal with the increased level of complexity in the complaints.”