The Residential Advisory Service (RAS), an independent advisory service for earthquake claimants navigating insurance issues, has been saved and will have its funding extended until July, according to Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods.

Under the previous government, the service had been due to close in December due to lack of funding. Woods said the new government will provide RAS with a cash injection of $700,000 to continue its service.

“This service has been an absolute godsend for people in Canterbury and Kaikoura dealing with complex insurance claims in the aftermath of the earthquakes,” Woods said. “It has been especially helpful as we deal with the more complex cases still to be revolved seven years after the initial earthquakes.”

Since RAS started in 2013, it has helped settle nearly 4,500 outstanding insurance claims. “For many people, it has been their lifeline during an incredibly difficult period,” Wood said.


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