Hon Megan Woods

Minister responsible for the Earthquake Commission
MEDIA STATEMENT

5 April 2018

Bill for botched EQC repairs hits $270 million

Urgent advice requested by Minister Megan Woods has revealed the bill for EQC re-repairs has hit $270 million, over $200 million above the $70 million predicted by the previous National Government.

As at 4 April, $170 million has been spent on remediating claims managed through the repair process with a further $100 million being spent re-settling homes that had been cash settled for initial repairs.

“This is far beyond what the previous Government told the public the issue would cost. In opposition, we warned the Government they were not acting fast enough on the issue of botched repairs.

“Blow outs like this are why I have taken action to send in an Independent Ministerial Advisor reporting directly to me to speed up the settling of EQC claims. That work is due to be reported back to me in just a few weeks.
“I have also met urgently with Treasury today to request more information on this issue.

“Endless delays for people stuck in these situations is why we have recently instituted a Case Management approach at EQC where claimants have one person who manages their file instead of having to bounce from person to person.

“This information further strengthens the need for the independent inquiry into EQC this Government will be launching.

“This Government’s absolute focus is getting faster progress for people still stuck in EQC Limbo,” says Megan Woods.

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