4 Aug 2021

James Hardie claimants' lawyer calls for building product inquiry

From Nine To Noon, 9:25 am on 4 August 2021
The High Court at Auckland

Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers

The multi million dollar court case against James Hardie has ended mid-trial, leaving homeowners with nothing.

More than 1000 people were collectively seeking over two hundred million dollars against the cladding manufacturer, claiming Harditex cement and fibre cladding system caused problems including damp, mould and rot in their houses.

But now there's been a settlement that's resulted in a payout for James Hardie and nothing for the claimants. 

It follows Harbour Litigation Funding, which was backing the homeowners, withdrawing its support. 

Adina Thorn is the lawyer who took the case on behalf of the affected homeowners. She says an inquiry into building products is urgently needed.