Thank you for contacting the Earthquake Commission (EQC).

We will respond to your email as soon as possible. If you require urgent assistance, please phone our call centre on 0800 DAMAGE (326 243) or for international callers, please phone +64 4 978 6400. Alternatively, please check the Frequently Asked Questions on our website www.eqc.govt.nz. <http://canterbury.eqc.govt.nz/faq>

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Dear Mr Preston

Thank you for your request for information under the Official Information Act 1982.

Unfortunately, the Earthquake Commission has been unable to process your request within the timeframe provided under the Official Information Act 1982. This is due to the unprecedented number of requests EQC has recently received.

In order to respond to requests in a fair and reasonable manner, we are processing requests in order of receipt. In some instances, we may be able to prioritise a request if circumstances exist where a request needs to be processed immediately, for example, there may be very serious health or financial concerns. If you consider that your request should be prioritised, please contact us outlining the concerns, along with supporting documentation.

We understand this response may be unsatisfactory and you are entitled to make a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Please be assured that we are processing requests as swiftly as possible. We appreciate your patience and apologise for the inconvenience.

Yours sincerely
Barbara Graham | OIA Administrator | The Earthquake Commission (EQC)

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Dear Mr Preston

I apologise for the lengthy delay in processing your request.

I can confirm that the Assessor working from the Mairehau Hub has over 30 years in the building industry as a Builder, Planner, Designer, Project Manager and Managing Director, as well experience in Property Management. You will also find attached the position description for all EQC Assessors.

Kind regards

Lara Carson | Team Leader Technical and Statutory Complaints | The Earthquake Commission (EQC) 

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Dear Mr Preston

Please find the following statement from the assessor you have referred to in your request for information:

“I have been both an EQC estimator and assessor now for 2.5 years. During this time I have received training from professional engineers involved with EQC and the rebuild in Christchurch.
Prior to this I have been involved in many aspects of the construction industry (including building and design) for over 30 years.
I also have tertiary qualifications including a university degree in physics and mathematics. I have lectured in a number of areas including topics such as earthquakes. This did involve items such as the "liquefaction process" and its effect on ground bearing structures.
Professional Qualifications include: Past member of New Zealand Institute of Physics (NZIP).”

Note that the assessor's role is primarily to
• verify original house assessments for the customer & Fletcher EQR
• approve changes to original scopes and oversee costing of repairs
• provide interpretations of the EQC Act & Building Act upon request
• update customers on claim status
• oversee repairs to buildings

Assessors are not required to have specific knowledge of foundation movement in liquefied soils. Please note that determining assessments and repair strategies for dwellings is on most occasions a team effort where a host of EQC specialists, such as engineers, will also review the assessments and estimations of others.

Kind regards
Lara Carson | Team Leader Technical and Statutory Complaints
The Earthquake Commission (EQC) | Kōmihana Rūwhenua

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