Royal Commission meets with quake families

10:33 pm on 5 August 2011

The Royal Commission into the Canterbury earthquakes has been meeting with the families of some of those who died in 22 February quake.

The inquiry is looking at the cause of building failure and loss of life.

Some 181 people died when several buildings collapsed in central Christchurch, including the multi-storey CTV building which housed an English language school, and the Pyne Gould Corporation building.

Commission chair Justice Mark Cooper wrote to 207 relatives of victims, including the Quake Families group and families from 15 countries.

Justice Cooper has so far met with 24 families, and a further nine meetings are planned.

A group meeting was scheduled for 25 June, but had to be postponed due to the heavy snow.

The commission says some families have indicated they do not wish to meet, but want to be kept informed of the inquiry's progress.