New EQ Community Action Group Launched!

Red Zone Rallies Roll Into Bexley!

WeCan! - the Wider Earthquake Communities' Action Network - has just been launched by the network of individuals and community groups that has been organising the series of red zone rallies. The group is planning another rally in Wairoa Reserve in Bexley on Sunday at 2pm.

Spokesman Rev Mike Coleman explained the objectives of the new group, "we aim to publicly highlight the injustices and issues affecting residents following the Canterbury earthquakes. We will openly challenge decisions, policies and practices that disadvantage a community's recovery from the earthquakes, and actively promote and support equitable, just and visionary solutions for all."

Coleman says that some of those worst effected by the Canterbury Earthquakes are being unfairly treated. In particular he points to issues with insurance companies not honouring their industry's own Fair Insurance Code, the unfairness of Rateable values where there is demonstrable undervaluation, the lack of affordable rehousing options in a distorted real estate market, the lack of transparency around land zoning decisions and the lack of certainty regarding the future use of the red zone lands.

"WeCan! will monitor and hold to account Government, CERA, Insurance companies and any other agencies and forums tasked with earthquake recovery responsibilities. We will do this by active protest such as rallies, media interventions, marches, and direct action", says Coleman.

"We are not politically aligned and will challenge the policies and practices of any political party or government department where they disadvantage residents or communities. However make no mistake we are political with a small "p", we intend to take action for change."

Coleman says that WeCan! recognises and supports the work of CanCERN (Canterbury Communities Earthquake Recovery Network) but also acknowledges the constraints it now works within "inside the tent". "We are not setting up in opposition to CanCERN but to complement it by working in parallel. A lot of community groups and residents associations are members of both organisations".

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