Canterbury group discusses concerns with EQC

8:35 pm on 13 December 2010

A Canterbury group has met with the Earthquake Commission in an attempt to improve communication and alleviate the growing frustration in parts of the quake-hit region.

The group, CanCERN, is made up members of community organisations and formed to combat what it says was a poor flow of information following the 7.1-magnitude quake in September.

Christchurch Central MP Brendon Burns has criticised the communication from the commission, saying many locals are getting conflicting advice.

CanCERN chairperson Tom McBrearty says the group met with EQC late last week.

Mr McBrearty says they asked for EQC staff to simply admit when they do not know the answer to a question, rather than giving potentially misleading advice.

CanCERN also asked whether the commission could, where possible, address the community in groups, rather than on an individual basis.

Mr McBrearty says the meeting was profitable and was pleased with the commission's willingness to listen to them.