Earthquake Commission inquiry calling for public submissions

Wednesday, 10 April 2019

A highly critical report of EQC suggests it is hamstrung by disorder and dysfunction and calls for ministerial intervention to resolve outstanding claims. (Video first published in June 2018)

An inquiry looking at the Earthquake Commission's (EQC) response to the Canterbury earthquakes is calling on the public to have their say.

The inquiry, due to be wrapped up by the end of the year, will focus on learning from the quake response and suggesting improvements that could be made when responding to future disasters. It is not about making criticisms.

Dame Silvia Cartwright, who is heading the inquiry, said hearing from people who had experiences with EQC, and hearing what changes to policy, operations and service that they think were needed, was 'a critical part' of the work.

The public can have their say on EQC for an inquiry into the agency's response to the Canterbury quakes.

EQC provides home insurance to those affected by a natural disaster. It has been subject to criticism for its response to the Canterbury quakes, most recently in a report which highlighted issues with the agency's record keeping and noted claimants' lack of trust in EQC.

**READ MORE:

Dame Silvia Cartwright is heading the EQC inquiry.

* EQC inquiry head Dame Silvia Cartwright says inquiry not about reputations

* Public to have say on EQC inquiry into Christchurch earthquake response**

Cartwright said she had come into the inquiry with no preconceived ideas.

'I am aware that strong views about EQC have been expressed in public discussion. I want to hear a range of views before formulating any opinions or recommendations.'

She was aware that people's experiences through the quakes had a profound and lasting impacts for many, and it was important they were heard.

The inquiry, the first of its kind under the Public Inquiries Act 2013, will have all the powers of a Royal Commission. Cartwright will report directly to the governor-general.

Cartwright is a former governor-general herself. She is a former High Court judge, chairing the Cartwright Inquiry into cervical cancer treatment at National Women's Hospital in the 1980s, and served on the Cambodian War Crimes Tribunal.

Anyone making a submission can request confidentiality, which means their personal identifying information will be removed before the submissions are publicly released.

Those wanting to make a submission can visit the website eqcinquiry.govt.nz. More information is available by emailing info@eqcinquiry.govt.nz or calling 0508 467 372.

Submissions are open until May 19.