Marlborough Recovery Update #18, Friday 27 January 2023
Timing of EQCover claims for residential land damage
It’s difficult to say how long this process will take. Some factors may impact timing, such as restricted access to a property (Council-managed placards, limited road access), availability of specialist resources (for example geotech engineers) or complications of land damage.
For silt or debris following a flood or storm, this can often be resolved without a geotechnical assessment or valuation report.
Because each situation is unique and timing will depend on individual situations, it’s best to continue talking to your insurer to understand your timeframes and next steps.
How much can be paid out?
EQCover claims are generally cash settled and for residential land claims, EQCover will pay the lesser of either:
- the cost to repair or reinstate the damaged land (less excess), or
- the EQCover land cap (less excess).
Under the EQC Act, the maximum amount of EQCover for your residential land claim is capped at the land value, because EQCover cannot pay any more than what the damaged land is worth. This is commonly referred to as the EQCover “land cap”, and is calculated in two parts:
- the market value of the damaged or lost insured land (or other smaller specified area of land), and
- the indemnity value of the damaged insured land structures (e.g. bridges, culverts and retaining walls).
More information, including how the market value is determined, is available in the Householders’ Guide to Residential Land.
Where can I get more information?
For information specific to your claim, please contact your private insurer.
For more information about EQCover for residential land damage, the Toka Tū Ake EQC website has the following:
- What you’re covered for webpage – outlines EQCover for residential land includes, how settlements are calculated and general information about claims.
- Householders’ Guide to Residential Land – a helpful overall guide to EQCover for residential land.
- EQCover Land claims factsheet – outlines this process in more detail and who’s involved.
- Land Cover – Storms and Floods factsheet – outlines EQCover in relation to storm or flood damage.
Information available throughout Marlborough
Our recovery navigators are putting together resources for “information kiosks” to be available in a variety of locations (and online) throughout Marlborough. These kiosks will be established so residents have easy access to the information they need.
Jessica and Charlotte would love to hear from people who would like to set up an information kiosk for their community. The resources can be held at a physical location or via a residents association either online (if you have a website) or via email. Whatever works best for each community. Resources can be printed and mailed out or sent by email.
Resources will be available at the Marlborough Sounds Future Access community meetings next week.
Please email recovery@marlborough.govt.nz if you’d like more information or want to be included.
Calendar
Nelson Anniversary
Monday 30 January. Reminder to book water taxis.
Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study community meetings
Tuesday 31 January 11.00 am – 1.00 pm French Pass Hall
Wednesday 1 February 10.00 am – 12.00 pm – Rai Valley, The Millers Rest
Wednesday 1 February 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm – Havelock Town Hall
Thursday 2 February 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm – Picton, Port Marlborough Pavilion
Friday 3 February – 9.00am – 11.00 am – The Portage Hotel, Kenepuru Sounds
Friday 3 February – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm – Waitaria Bay Hall
Wednesday 8 February – 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm – Zoom online call https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83594599876
Waitangi Day
Monday 6 February. Reminder to book water taxis.
Insurance/EQCover Drop-In Day
Wednesday 15 February from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at the Havelock Town Hall.
Hato Hone St John courses
Waitaria Bay - 21 February 9.30 am to 3.00 pm
Portage - 22 February 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Linkwater - 23 February 9.30 am to 3.00 pm
If you’re interested, please contact Charlotte on email recovery@marlborough.govt.nz or phone 027 213 0341. Registrations are essential.
Roading update
Works being carried out this week include investigation drilling and stabilisation on Queen Charlotte Drive, the demolition and re-construction of Noel's Bridge and scaling works on Northbank Road.
Improved access works on Kenepuru Road also continues between Tara Bay Road and Nikau Cove.
There will be no works undertaken on Waitangi weekend, from Saturday 4 to Monday 6 February.
Some roads in the Marlborough Sounds remain restricted to residents and emergency services only and have other restrictions.
Kenepuru Road and its side roads, including Moetapu Bay Road, remain restricted to residents and emergency services only. They are not suitable for visitors.
Kenepuru Road closures:
There is no construction closure in place on Kenepuru Road on Friday 3 February, due to community meetings for the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study. There may be works undertaken under stop/go traffic management on this day.
The construction closures are planned to recommence on Tuesday 7 February, following the long weekend.
Kenepuru Road, between Moetapu Bay Road and The Heads, remains accessible to residents and emergency services only.
There is a daytime construction closure on Kenepuru Road between Tara Bay (22.5km from Linkwater turnoff) and Portage.
There is a second construction closure on Kenepuru Road between Portage and Nikau Cove (33.0km from the Linkwater turnoff) for improved access works.
These closures operate Monday to Friday between 7.00 am to 5.00 pm with an opening on the hour every hour.
If you need to travel through both closures, please let the traffic management know at the first closure you arrive at.
Information
To check the status of any local road in Marlborough visit Marlborough District Council’s CDEM Map and click on the road for more information.
To contact the Marlborough Roads Recovery Team email recovery@marlboroughroads.com or phone 0800 213 213 between 8.00 am - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
