On 16 December 2016 Gendall J in the judgment in The Southern Response Unresolved Claims Group v Southern Response Earthquake Services Ltd [2016] NZHC 3105 gave approval to the proceedings against Southern Response being brought as a representative action.  The Group currently comprises 41 members who allege that Southern Response engaged in a strategy to improperly minimise its overall financial exposure to Canterbury earthquake claims.  The strategy is detailed in the judgment.  Gendall J also decided that the litigation funder’s fee was fair and reasonable, but required it to communicate with group members about misleading original advice giving each group member 21 days to withdraw.  Other Southern Response policyholders have until 16 April 2017 to “opt in” to the proceeding.  The Court declined the Group’s request for Southern Response to provide to them names and contact details of all unresolved Southern Response claimants.