MEDIA RELEASE

28 November 2013

Insurers Agree to Help with Cera’s Land Clearance Strategy

Insurers have agreed to help CERA with its land clearance strategy for Red Zone residential properties because it is in the best interests of the community to do so, the Insurance Council of New Zealand said today.

“It makes sense for us to work with CERA so there is a co-ordinated approach that will see specific areas prioritised for clearance to reduce the incidence of arson, vandalism and other behaviour that is causing a concern for people,” Insurance Council Chief Executive Tim Grafton said.

Up until now sites have been cleared as settlements have been reached. Insurers have made good progress having cleared 2,833 sites of 4,869 in the red zone flat area of the city where residents chose to pursue insurance claims with insurers. This is a shade under 60% of the properties insurers had responsibility for demolishing.

“We are pleased with our progress and the pace of progress will continue as we work with CERA to ensure designated areas are cleared in a systematic way that will benefit everyone,” Mr Grafton said.

“Insurers are still interested in opportunities to relocate viable houses for community or private use, but those with an interest in doing this need to recognise that time is running out for this option.” Mr Grafton said.

“It is good to see though that some homes have been relocated,” he said.

ENDS

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