May 2024 hearing on Issue 13

The First Phase Coronial Inquest into the Christchurch Masjidain Attack will resume at the Christchurch Law Courts on 20 May 2024 to complete evidence about the emergency exit door in the main prayer room at Masjid an-Nur. The hearing is scheduled from 20-31 May 2024. 

Those who registered for last year’s hearing do not need to register again.

Watching the hearing:

We strongly encourage you to watch online from home. The same online viewing option with interpretation will be available to watch the hearing, under the same conditions as last year. If you registered for last year's hearing, you will be emailed an individual link to watch online in the week before the hearing starts.

Courtroom seating is limited to 32 public seats. Those seats will be prioritised for families of the deceased, and it is likely only one immediate family member per day will get a seat. There are no additional courtrooms available to watch the hearing at court.

Victim Assistance Scheme funding

There are changes to the Victim Assistance Scheme.

  • Travel and accommodation funding will only be available if you normally live in New Zealand, up to a maximum of $3000 per person.
  • If you normally live overseas (even if you are currently visiting New Zealand), you are not eligible for assistance.
  • If you normally live in New Zealand but are currently overseas, there is no travel assistance to return to New Zealand. This includes any cost to change return flights already booked, and travel within New Zealand to return to your home.
  • There is no court attendance grant.
  • A data allowance will be paid at a daily rate if you watch the hearing using your link. Payments will be paid automatically based on IT data at the end of the hearing.
  • Reimbursement for travel, accommodation, and other claimable expenses will be processed by Victim Support as quickly as possible after the hearing. This may take 3-4 weeks.

Travel assistance funding:

People normally living in New Zealand can apply for travel assistance:

  • For each of the deceased: Up to six family members and/or support people (six total).
  • For victims of gunshot wounds: Primary victim and up to three support people (four total).
  • Witnesses/present at scene: Witness/present at scene plus one support person (two total).

Assistance grant funds will not be pooled. Each eligible person has a limit of $3,000. This is a contribution and may not cover all costs associated with attending the hearing. Please ensure you are able to cover your expenses while in Christchurch.

You can book your own domestic travel or get Victim Support to book it for you.

Option 1: Booking your own travel

Booking your own travel and accommodation is strongly encouraged, within the conditions below. A completed intention to travel form(external link) must be provided by 30 April to let Victim Support know you are booking your own travel.

  • You are welcome to book flights between 18 May and 2 June 2024. You may wish to consider flexible flights in case the hearing finishes before 31 May, as changes to flights may incur a cost.
  • If you do book your own travel, you are responsible for booking for all of your needs.
  • All travel-related funding (flights, meals, accommodation, taxis/uber, parking, childcare, mileage) will be reimbursed after the hearing.

Payments will be made on the following basis:

  • Receipts for flights, accommodation, taxis/uber, parking and childcare costs.
  • Meals or mileage will be calculated if required and paid at the daily rate.
  • The data allowance will be paid automatically at a daily rate if you use your online link, based on IT data. The allowance will be paid at the end of the hearing.

The reimbursement claim form will be available from 25 May. 

  • Receipts and details must be submitted to Victim Support on the reimbursement form by 7 June. The form will detail what can be claimed and payment rates for some allowances.
  • Please submit claims no later than 7 June, as reimbursements may not be paid if submitted later.

Option 2: Victim Support can book your travel

Travel bookings by Victim Support will be different for this hearing. You will need to complete the ‘intention to travel’ form(external link) by 30 April 2024. The form offers specific choices. If eligible to travel, you will be emailed finalised arrangements.

  • Flights booked by Victim Support will be between 18 May 2024 and Sunday 2 June 2024. Seats will be allocated by the airline.
  • Accommodation will be selected on your behalf, based on availability with preferred suppliers.

Data allowance:

A data allowance will be paid on a daily basis if:

  • You receive a link to watch online, as a person registered to receive one.
  • You watch the hearing online.

The Ministry of Justice will provide Victim Support with IT data confirming who watched the hearing. Payment will be made based on this information at the end of the hearing.

You do not need to claim the data allowance. It be paid automatically after the hearing has finished at a rate of $15 per day.

Bank account details:

If your bank account has changed since October-November 2023, you will need to update your bank account details. The bank details form(external link) specifies what details are required. Payments will otherwise be processed to the accounts on file.

If you have any questions about this information, you can contact chchresponse@victimsupport.org.nz

 
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