The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is now manning an office in Wanganui, offering an opportunity for face-to-face discussions with people who have lodged claims after last month's floods.
Gail Kettle, EQC's customer and claims general manager, said while the office would be a base for the four staff assessing damage, it was also a chance for people to deal directly with the staff.
"The office's main function is as a base for our staff deployed to the region to assess damage for settling claims. They've done a great job, assessing nearly 170 of some 344 claims received so far," Ms Kettle said.
"But they've taken the next step to make the office suitable for customers seeking help from our claims managers.
"Some people prefer to deal with a person and the manageable numbers of this event means we can provide this for Wanganui," she said.