EQC paying out $850m

Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Earthquake Commission (EQC) has paid out nearly $850 million since September's 7.1 earthquake and following aftershocks in Christchurch.

The EQC had received more than 312,000 claims since September 4, including about 127,000 from February 22's 6.3 earthquake, chief executive Ian Simpson said. Assessors had checked nearly 10,000 properties damaged in the February quake. More than 12,000 properties suffered in excess of $100,000.

A workforce of 500 contracting firms with 2500 staff was working on repairs. About 8000 urgent repairs had been completed since the end of February, Mr Simpson said.

A 5.2 shock on April 30 was deemed a new event for insurance purposes, and people affected by that had until August 1 to submit claims.

- NZPA