Terms of reference for Independent Advisor’s work released


The Independent Ministerial Advisor sent in to speed up EQC’s Canterbury claims be tasked with improving claims management, assessing operational, resourcing, policy and legislative constraints and assessing any constraints caused by processes with private insurers, Minister Megan Woods has announced.

“Today I am releasing the Terms of Reference that will direct Christine Stevenson, the Independent Ministerial Advisor’s work to ensure swift and fair settlement of the 2600 outstanding claims from the Canterbury Earthquakes.

“She will work with the board and management to identify and report to me operational changes needed to ensure timeliness, fairness and high professional standards in the resolution of these claims.

“We want these claims sorted so people can get on with their lives. Yesterday I met with Christine as well as new interim chair Dame Annette King. I’m confident we can work together with EQC senior management to speed things up and make this happen.

“In November last year I instigated work through MBIE to bring EQC, Southern Response and the private insurers together to come up with new processes that met my expectations for fair and swift settlement of the remaining claims.

“I have asked Christine to link the changes at EQC directly to this work stream. It’s of prime importance to me that we tackle this with a joined up approach.

“Seven years is too long to wait and this government is committed to helping people who have been stuck in limbo for far too long” says Megan Woods.

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