Two insurance decisions have been delivered recently which deserve close reading: Zurich Australian Insurance v WIthers & Ors [2016] NZCA 618, and Miah v National Mutual Life Association of Australasia Ltd [2016] NZCA 590. Your correspondent has read them, but not subject them to the suggested close reading. A longer analysis will be provided later, time permitting. For the time being, the close reading is over to you.The relevant part of the Zurich decision concerns the applicability of a dishonesty exclusion in the context of a professional indemnity policy. Miah concerns the classification of an ownership interest in a life insurance policy.

Steve KeallBarrister28 December 2016