January 6th, 2005

The son of an Auckland man that died from asbestosis has pleaded for help in getting compensation for his father’s death from James Hardie Inc. John Lehmann has appealed to the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, asking that James Hardie by boycotted until compensation is paid out to Auckland victims and their relatives, as it will be to Australian claimants. Mr Lehmann states that James Hardie continued to make profits from asbestos-laden products, even though the dangers and effects were known.

Describing James Hardie in his letter to the Prime Ministers, Lehmann stated: "They are not good corporate citizens. They should be made to pay those victims." He also stated, with reference to the Australian agreement covering Australian claims only: "We are saying this is grossly unfair. The New Zealand workers are suffering just as badly as the Australians did. We need to have some sort of compensation."

Lehmann said “all of a sudden James Hardie came to the party" after Australian government officials stated they would make it difficult for the manufacturer to trade on Australia unless compensation was paid. It is estimated that Australian claimants will receive around $220,000 on average. Lehmann wants the same sort of pressure put on Hardie by Auckland officials.

The Australian agreement was recently signed in Melbourne, enabling thousands of families and victims to receive the compensation they have been fighting for.