Expert Witness
Structural Engineering Expert Witness
Over 100,000 properties were damaged during the Canterbury earthquakes and although most of these properties have now been repaired or rebuilt there are still a small percentage of properties where earthquake damage issues remain.
The experience gained through managing large teams of engineers who carried out earthquake damage assessments for nearly 1000 properties in Christchurch after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, has given Finesse a considerable experience base and understanding of what can be achieved and what repair strategies have been successful. Finesse has been involved in the design and construction monitoring of the repair of many of these properties.
Since our establishment in 2017, we have been involved in around 150 litigation claims working for building owners, insurers and EQC. We pride ourselves on offering independent structural engineering advice to allow the court to make informed decisions. Honesty and integrity is at the heart of our business, which enables us to be open and upfront when assessing and producing structural reports regarding the damage.
We aim to provide information to our clients that is easy to understand along with a detailed explanation of the damage assessed.
Finesse have a thorough understanding of the litigated claim process and have experience in meditations, facilitations, judicial settlement conferences and providing evidence to The High Court.
To reinforce our expertise in this field, Director, Simon Finn, was recently awarded Fellow status by Engineering NZ for his work in forensic structural assessments. Simon has also been a member of the Engineering NZ Natural Disaster Recovery Panel from its inception, providing independent engineering advice to the New Zealand Claims Resolution Service (NZCRS). This panel was recently expanded to service both islands of New Zealand and has provided support in response to the recent flood and cyclone events.
As well as natural disasters, Finesse have also been engaged by many local councils and individual business across Aotearoa, providing assistance in resolving claims related to the design or construction of buildings, or compliance matters.