Scott Hearn: Kiwi motorist on getting compensation from Waka Kotahi following pothole damage - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

One disgruntled Kiwi motorist managed to receive pothole damage compensation from Waka Kotahi- putting him in the minority of drivers.

Waka Kotahi paid out 22 compensation claims for vehicle damage from potholes and defects in state highways in the past three years.

That’s despite the transport agency receiving more than 2200 claims over that timeframe.

Scott Hearn gave Waka Kotahi an ultimatum, before filing a claim with the Disputes Tribunal.

"I guess I was a little bit threatening towards the end, I gave them an ultimatum and said- look, I'd like an answer and I'd like this resolved by a certain time. Otherwise, you don't leave me much choice."

Waka Kotahi says compensation claims relating to road condition and vehicle damage to a vehicle are assessed individually, on a case-by-case basis.

The transport agency assesses claims relating to state highways, and local authorities assess claims relating to the 94,000km of local council-controlled roads in New Zealand.

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