10 Dec 2013

EQC rep now based in minister's office

4:20 pm on 10 December 2013

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says a representative from the Earthquake Commission is now based in his office to improve their line of communication.

Gerry Brownlee.

Gerry Brownlee. Photo: RNZ

In November, Mr Brownlee ordered an independent review of EQC's systems after questions were raised about whether some homeowners in dispute over repairs were excluded from its satisfaction surveys.

The review by the State Services Commission found that the survey results were valid, but has made 10 recommendations, including improving communication between the minister's office and EQC.

Mr Brownlee said on Tuesday he is pleased with the review's findings, but it does show that both offices need to get better at their communications.

State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie said the EQC's surveys are consistent with good practice, the survey's results are reliable and answers given by Mr Brownlee in the House about the survey's process were correct.

The review found only 18 out of 123,000 closed claims were omitted from the survey, which would not have an impact on the overall results.