February 18, 2011

The New Zealand Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Commission has released an interim report into its management of the $22 million raised for the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal.

The National Board of New Zealand Red Cross established the Commission, with the agreement of the three Mayors from the affected region, to oversee the appeal for funds and subsequent disbursement of them.

One hundred percent of donations to the appeal are earmarked for those affected by the earthquake. Administering the appeal and grants process has cost an estimated $300,000 to date, all of which has been met by Red Cross.

Red Cross National Programmes Manager David Neal says applications are still being processed and some donations are still being made to the appeal.

“The appeal stands at $21,630,688,” he says. “The income we know still to be received will take the total over $22 million.”

“The latest figures show 11,307 applications have been received and that $12,127,001 has been paid out to 8,225 applicants. That leaves $9,503,687 to be disbursed. The Commission has plans in place for the remaining funds to primarily go to a relocation grant for families displaced from their homes for an extended period.”

Mr Neal says five different grants have been set up and the Commission set some broad criteria that would apply to all the grants, as well as specific requirements to be met by the applicants.

He says the criteria were strictly adhered to and all applications were assessed consistently, irrespective of whether applicants were insured or uninsured.

“For various reasons, 2,481 applications have been declined and 601 applications are still being processed.”

The full report can be viewed at www.redcross.org.nz

ENDS

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