Earthquake Commission's complaints against newspaper advertisements upheld

Canterbury households. Photo / Geoff Sloan

Two complaints by the Earthquake Commission have been upheld against two newspaper advertisements published by a consumer advocate.

Newspaper advertisements for Earthquake Services outlined concerns about the quality and ethics of EQC and insurer repairs and rebuilds in Christchurch.

One advertisement was headed "The dodgy repairs fiasco," and "More flakes than asbestos".

The advertisement contained other statements about the quality of EQC's work and also included a photo caption about an EQC repair and said "a chair leg, melamine board and even gib board was used on foundation repairs".

The other advertisement was headed: "Has your house been 'fixed' by EQC?" The advertisement outlined concerns about the quality and ethics of EQC and insurer repairs and rebuilds in Christchurch.

Both advertisements included a "disclaimer" that stated: "The views, opinions and assumptions expressed in this advertising feature article are solely of the author, Bryan Staples, Earthquake Services."

EQC complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that the advertisements were untrue and unsubstantiated, exploited the reader's lack of knowledge and unjustifiably played on fear.

For both complaints, Earthquake Services responded: "Thank you for your email, I see little point in responding because from experience your decision has already been made. Freedom of speech and facts have no place in advertising."

The ASA's complaints board said the claims in the advertisement had not been substantiated.

The board found the advertisement was misleading and deceptive and contained statements that exploited readers lack of experience or knowledge and without justifiable reason, had played on fear.

The advertisements had not been prepared with a due sense of social responsibility to consumers and to society, the board said.

Earthquake Services says on its website it is a consumer advocacy service that provides independent assessments, claims resolution, and opt-out repairs for those who simply want to move on.

"We are a consumer advocacy service and we are here to assist the homeowners of Christchurch get their full entitlement under the EQC Act and under their insurance policy."