Tower Insurance has increased the amount it is willing to pay towards repairing an earthquake-damaged Christchurch home, but is still refusing to pay for a more expensive rebuild.
Those repairing an earthquake damaged cliff in Christchurch have had to wrangle with home owners who don't want to sell, and relocating a rare flightless moth. Rachel Graham reports.
In early October 1889, my 2 x great aunt, Clara Wright leaves her family home in Thames and travels on the steamer, ‘Tarawera’ to start a new life with her estranged father in Christchu…
Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods says it could take 18 months to decide who is liable for the repairs for 660 home-owners caught in legal limbo. They've bought homes where they thought all the earthquake damage had been repaired - and now find more problems have emerged. Ms Woods told us it's not clear who is liable for these repairs - and it could take as long as 18 months to resolve that basic liability issue. EQC's chief executive Sid Miller has already apologised. He tells Susie Ferguson it's an issue he's been aware of in the year he has been with EQC.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Amy Johnston Bray outside her red-stickered Avonside home due to the earthquake. She is frustrated at how long the EQC process is taking".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "In limbo: Hayley (10) and dad Willy Young remain upbeat despite their home suffering earthquake damage. They want to move ahead with their lives".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Amy Johnston Bray outside her Avonside home, red-stickered due to the earthquake. She is frustrated at how long the EQC process is taking".
Some residents in orange zoned areas in Christchurch are worried the latest series of earthquakes will further delay the decision on whether they can remain in their homes.
As the first of a series of Government earthquake buy-out offers approach their deadline, some home-owners in Christchurch's residential red zone are pleading for more time.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Mark and Liz Prebble of Bexley moved into their new home on Friday 3rd and are now going to live in their caravan".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Mark and Liz Prebble of Bexley moved into their new home on Friday 3rd and are now going to live in their caravan".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Mark and Liz Prebble of Bexley moved into their new home on Friday 3rd and are now going to live in their caravan".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Mark and Liz Prebble of Bexley moved into their new home on Friday 3rd and are now going to live in their caravan".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Amy Johnston Bray outside her Avonside home, red-stickered due to the earthquake. She is frustrated at how long the EQC process is taking".
Liquefaction in North New Brighton. The photographer comments, "After the double quake local to my home, the liquefaction made strange shapes in the liquid content of the outpourings".
Members of the building industry say a serious skills shortage is looming as the Government releases new estimates of the number of homes seriously damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes.
In its latest update, the Earthquake Commission says it will have to manage repairs to 50-thousand homes moderately or seriously damaged by the Canterbury earthquake four weeks ago.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Melissa Skurr and her partner, JC Anderson, with their dog, Shady, who was fed by the people who burgled their empty home following Canterbury's earthquakes".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Melissa Skurr and her partner, JC Anderson, with their dog, Shady, who was fed by the people who burgled their empty home following Canterbury's earthquakes".
A message in a bottle, hidden under the floor of a Christchurch home for over fifty years, has been discovered during earthquake repairs and its writer's been tracked down.
Rapid assessment teams are being sent out across quake hit Canterbury with the Earthquake Commission promising that up to 180-thousand homes will be inspected within the next eight weeks.
People living in Christchurch's orange zone will have to wait longer than expected for a decision on whether they can remain in their homes, after the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority missed one of its deadlines.
The quake stricken city has come through the latest round of earthquakes relatively unscathed. However there is disappointment that some homes were burgled after residents evacuated. The police say they will investigate.
Mindful Mover was born after the Christchurch earthquake, the anxiety and stress caused by the continuous rattling. From there it's grown to help young people dealing with bullying, troubles at home, and learning difficulties.
Christchurch people who have had to battle insurance companies over the repair or rebuild of earthquake damaged homes are welcoming the Labour party's idea of an earthquake court to settle disputes.
The historic Townsend Teece telescope in Otautahi Christchurch was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake, but has been expertly restored and is now reinstalled back in its central city home at the Arts Centre.
Natural disasters are often unpredictable and are happening frequently. Some natural disasters cause damage to communities, resulting in displaced individuals. Due to this there is a need for shelter, however, there are many unknown factors. These include unknown demographics, a strain on time, cost, and resources, and the unknown location. This study begins by identifying a lack of identity and personality in existing post-disaster shelter designs, including the example of Linwood Park from the Christchurch 2011 earthquake. Further research shows the lack of personalisation within shelters, along with addressing key requirements needed for shelters. While providing the basic needs is essential, this thesis also addresses how personalisation can impact a space. Taking bach architecture as a driver for a basic, yet unique approach to temporary accommodation, Lake Clearwater Settlement was used as a case study. Through surveys, interviews, and a reflective design process, the importance of embracing identity emerges as a key element in fostering dignity, livelihood, and a sense of self in displaced individuals. This thesis explores innovative approaches to post-disaster shelter design with a focus on accommodating the unique needs and individuality of displaced individuals. From challenging conventional shelter concepts to embracing self-design and community involvement, the research addresses the question of how interior and exterior features can cater to the diverse requirements of those affected by natural disasters.
One green and yellow soft sculpture kakapo with wire feet, stuffed body and black plastic eyes. Has an attached card naming the bird Little Ra and explaining it is part of the 'Journey - The Kakapo of Christchurch' project by artist Sayraphim Lothian.
One model of the Temple for Christchurch with a rectangular base of Jarrah and solid silver conical shapes and wave like walls representing the movement of the 22 February 2011 earthquake. Based on the Temple for Christchurch sculpture that was designed by Hippathy Valentine.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "A big day of moving out of the caravan up the drive of their house to a rental home, for earthquake-stricken Kaiapoi mum and children".