Calls for an inquiry into Southern Response have emerged anew, as the tenth anniversary of the February Canterbury earthquake approaches
In August 2020, consumers, led by advocate Ali Jones, called for an inquiry into the government-owned insurer, which handles the claims related to the Christchurch quakes in 2011.
Almost 10 years after the tragedy, Jones said that thousands of people still don’t have their lives back.
“It’s inhuman,” she said in a statement. “It’s 10 years on and families, the sick, the elderly continue to be bullied and blocked by Southern Response. The confidentiality agreements mean this behaviour is kept out of view, in the shadows and that’s got to stop.”
Jones and her family came into conflict with company after their home in St Albans was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake.
In January 2020, Southern Response issued an apology to claimants that it had not treated well. Southern Response also transferred its remaining claims to the Earthquake Commission in 2019, along with 12 of its case managers.
However, Jones said that more needs to be done to make amends.
“The issues confounding Southern Response claims are not all specific to that organisation; the issues relating to correct reinstatement of homes, as per insurance policies, and the building act/code, also continue to block progress down for claimants,” Jones said.
Jones further argued that Southern Response’s “deceptive and misleading” behaviour has been well-documented in court cases, but, so far, no one has been held accountable.
“It’s not about finger pointing; it’s about ensuring there is accountability for the misery and harm that’s been caused while making sure it stops right now,” she said.
