Staff from the Earthquake Commission (
EQC) met with Kaiaua, Thames and Coromandel residents at an information hub in Thames last week to discuss what further support
EQC can provide following the January 04-06, storm in the area.
“It was an opportunity for EQC staff to talk with people who may have never lodged a claim before, explain the claim process and what support is available,” EQC chief customer officer Trish Keith said. “It was also a chance for people to ask questions and be provided with information specific to their own needs.
“A number lodged claims during the hub and others got real-time updates on claims they’d already lodged. The feedback from customers was that they appreciated the presence of EQC and the other organisations at the meeting.”
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (
ICNZ) also took part in the meeting.
ICNZ chief executive officer
Tim Grafton told
Insurance Business that community meetings are important touch points between insurers and customers.
“Insurers are the first port of call for many who suffer damage in natural disasters like this and it’s important they understand how to get the help they need,” Grafton noted. “While EQC covers land damage, insurers handle house and contents plus any motor, marine, commercial or other damage resulting from flood events.”
According to EQC, there have been 62 claims lodged so far following the January storm, the majority of damage being in the Kaiaua and Thames-Coromandel region. A number of the impacted properties have been assessed, mostly for land damage from silt inundation.
“In this event, the number of claims isn’t reflective of the shape and impact of the storm on the community. We’ve put a team in place to assist people and the hub gave us a valuable opportunity to meet with customers and support the community,” Keith said.
The hub was organised by the Hauraki District Council and attracted around 50 local residents to the Kaiaua Bowling Club and Community Centre.
EQC said there is still time to lodge a claim before the deadline on April 06. Claims can be lodged online at www.eqc.govt.nz/claims, via email on
[email protected], or by calling 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243).
Related stories:
Kaiaua coast damage assessments complete
Thames Coast residents urged to contact EQC, insurers
