On the 28 April 1995 a Department of Conservation viewing platform over the Cave Creek ravine (West Coast) collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 14 persons and serious injuries to four others. The Attorney-General appointed Grant Cameron to represent the estates, families and survivors through the subsequent Commission of Inquiry. That inquiry took many weeks and upon its conclusion, a civil action was brought against the Crown. (Principally, the proceedings were founded on 'nervous shock' tort claims and breach of fiduciary duty. Both compensatory and exemplary damages were sought). A specialist 'determination' process was agreed with the Crown where claims were heard in private before Sir Duncan Mcmullen, a retired Judge of the Court of Appeal. Substantial awards were made to all claimants.
