Christchurch contractors face financial pressure from EQC

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Many Christchurch trades people are refusing to carry out quake repairs unless the homeowner agrees to pay the bill, saying it takes too long to get the money out of the Earthquake Commission. Some contractors say they still haven't been paid for jobs done after the quake in September and the amount of debt some businesses are carrying are putting them in jeopardy.

EQC responds to criticisms about alow payment

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Chief Executive of the Earthquake Commission, Ian Simpson, talks to the programme about how payments are being made to Christchurch earthquake claimants and what if anything can be done to speed up the payment process.

EQC set to help Christchurch plumber sort unpaid bills

Audio, Radio New Zealand

A Christchurch plumber owed tens of thousands of dollars by the Earthquake Commission says the EQC has appointed a case manager to sort out the money it owes him.

Fewer receiving Christchurch Employer Support Subsidy

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Unemployment figures released yesterday may have showed little change in the nation's jobless rate, but it appears there's a gaping hole in the statistics when it comes to earthquake struck Christchurch.

Cantabrians want more focus on people, not buildings

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The government has pledged five and half billion dollars over the next six years for Canterbury's Earthquake Recovery Fund.

Grand Chancellor deconstruction underway in weeks

Audio, Radio New Zealand

As for the demolition of the building, The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority deconstruction manager, Warwick Isaacs, says while it will be managed carefully, it is still risky.

Rugby World Cup 100 Days Away.

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Rugby World Cup organisers say they are struggling to resell tickets to some of the Christchurch games moved elsewhere because of the earthquake.

Top Stories for Wednesday 1 June 2011

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Job fears intensify in Taranaki after the breadmaker Yarrows strikes trouble, Rugby World Cup organisers admit tickets are a tough sell, The former Bosnian Serb military commander is taken to The Hague to stand trial for war crimes,If earthquakes weren't damaging enough, jobs go in Christchurch as a bus manufacturer goes into liquidation.

Charity cricket match raises $500,000 for Christchurch

Audio, Radio New Zealand

A star-studded charity cricket match in Wellington has raised half a million dollars for the Prime Minister's appeal for the Canterbury earthquake.

Philippines follows Chinese in call for extra compensation

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Philippines government is asking for extra compensation for its citizens killed in the Christchurch earthquake, a similar plea is being made by China.

UK rugby fans stay positive about uncertainty over Cup

Audio, Radio New Zealand

In the UK, fans and travel agents are staying positive about any changes to the Rugby World Cup schedule forced by the Christchurch earthquake.

Key rules out extra compensation for China quake victims

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Government's ruled out extra money for families of Chinese victims of the Christchurch earthquake while Chinese authorities continue to push for special consideration.

Christchurch: return of 60-thousand quake 'refugees'

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Civil Defence says as many as sixty thousand people are expected to return to Christchurch after fleeing the city because of last month's earthquake.

All Blacks to play one off test for earthquake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The All Blacks have announced this morning that they'll play an extra test match this year, to raise money for the rebuild of Christchurch.

Quake victim hopes to leave hospital to attend service

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The memorial service for those who died in the Christchurch earthquake will take place in Hagley Park just after midday today.

Geoff Robinson checks in from Hagley Park

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Church bells will ring worldwide ring for Christchurch today as tens of thousands of people attend today's National memorial service for the victims for the Christchurch earthquake.

Christchurch spirits flagging after weeks of making do

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Most parts of Christchurch damaged by last month's 6.3 earthquake now have power and water.

AMI stadium owner may not insure pitch against further damage

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The owner of Christchurch's AMI stadium is refusing to guarantee it will insure its playing field in future, despite taking a multimillion-dollar taxpayer handout to fix earthquake damage.

Labour says govt cuts will hurt low income earners

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Prime Minister has signalled an election year austerity budget in May because of the Canterbury earthquakes. John Key says the Government needs to cut spending because of quake-related costs and a reduced tax take.

Insight for 27 March 2011 - Quake Health Services

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Health correspondent Karen Brown visited Christchurch Hospital a week after the disaster that resulted in patients being resuscitated by torchlight. She reviews the immediate impact of the earthquake on the region's health services, how they’re picking themselves up and what lies ahead.

Christchurch City Seafood Market may have to lay off staff

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Some Christchurch business owners are criticising the government for winding down the earthquake support package. The Government has extended the package, which pays employees of quake effected business a wage subsidy for two more weeks.

Christchurch businesses says roll-back of support too soon

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Some Christchurch businesses are accusing the government of winding down its earthquake assistance programme too soon.

Uncertain future for Christchurch's hospitality sector

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Among those businesses most affected by the end of the welfare scheme are cafes, restaurants and bars. 100 such businesses have closed in the central city alone because of the earthquake.

Employers and unions say too soon to trim welfare scheme

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Employers and unions in Christchurch say the Government is moving too quickly to reduce emergency welfare payments in the wake of the February earthquake.

MPs pledge no politics but cracks already showing

Audio, Radio New Zealand

MPs are pledging not to let politics get in the way of helping rebuild earthquake-devastated Christchurch.

Bob Parker looks forward to working with Earthquake Authority

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Christchurch mayor, Bob Parker joined Morning Report.

Christchurch councillor worries residents may be by-passed

Audio, Radio New Zealand

A Christchurch City Councillor is worried the wishes of local residents and the council could be by-passed once the Earthquake Recovery Authority takes over rebuilding the city.

Will Christchurch cross-party forum put politics aside?

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Working alongside the Earthquake Authority will be a cross party forum of local members of parliament.

Christchurch schools make it to Maadi Cup despite quake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

All Christchurch secondary schools involved in rowing have made it to the annual Maadi Cup regatta at Lake Karapiro in Waikato despite major setbacks caused by the February earthquake.

Missing may not be identified after quake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The police say it may not be possible to identify the remains of 12 victims of the Christchurch earthquake.