FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

28-May-13

Quake Outcasts Welcome Red Zone Deadline Extensions

The government and CERA confirmed they are now allowing extensions for red zone homeowners who accepted their offer but cannot meet the move-out deadline, with some "strict criteria" in place.

Quake Outcasts welcome this gesture which may relieve some pressure off already stressed out homeowners, however this should have been done sooner.

People have been living under enormous stress and worry that are created by the government's policy. This shouldn't have happened in a democratic country.

People have the freedom to choose where and how to live without fear of government dictating when they should move, if the buyout offer was really intended to help people.

Quake Outcasts would like to remind New Zealanders that the lawfulness of the "red zoning" is currently being considered before the High Court.

The post-quake zoning policy was implemented outside of any legal framework. It's clear that the government wants to take land and has a clearance programme in mind for these "red zones".

The government's buyout offer circumvents existing laws that guarantee full compensation to homeowners whose homes are taken by government.

Scare tactics, media black-outs, playing politics, withholding information, have all been used from the government's bag of tricks in dealing with aggrieved red zone homeowners. Though hopeful, Quake Outcasts urges all concerned to remain vigilant in defense of our rights.

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