Late Summer Update (Renewsletter)

Kia ora folks,
I'd like to start by saying a special hello to all the new subscribers- thanks for coming along.
This newsletter's primary focus is to talk about our recovery and to pass on information I have received that I think you might find useful. Please, print this, pass it on and forward it- this is all information to be shared. This eNewsletter will be distributed fortnightly, but I will post daily on the facebook page and inbetween times on the blog. Follow the link- do you want to see a renewed Brighton? 'Like' Renew Brighton!

In case you accidentally delete this email, I will be posting it to the blog, too.
Since I last wrote we went and stood under the beautiful wishing tree at the I Love New brighton event in Rawhiti Domain. A typically beautiful Brighton day, over 2500 people visited the park, many of whom left wishes on the tree. The wishes were all carefully collated and handed to a faerie to take care of~ no, seriously, the information gathered has been taken very seriously and you can all be quite proud for taking part in such an incredibly positive event. Have a look at the blog to see a tag-cloud I created with all the wishes you made.

The first piece of information I am going to share with you is possibly the most well compiled list of contacts that you might ever need. Print this page and put it on your fridge. In fact, be a good neighbour and print one for them too.

SCIRT
The Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) is charged with repairing the city’s roads and underground pipes. This is a massive task – it’s one of the largest and most complex civil engineering programmes of work ever undertaken in New Zealand. It’s estimated to take about five years to complete. Because this task is so large, some work is taking priority over others. Determining what comes first is complex and it is important that there is a well thought out planning process in place to drive the work programme. SCIRT’s prioritisation process considers the following factors:
Operational prioritisation e.g. reducing wastewater flows to rivers Interdependencies e.g. repairing downstream wastewater lines before upstream ones
Key services e.g. maintaining access to medical, emergency, education facilities and major transport routes External factors e.g. plans of power companies
Constraints e.g. availability of resources and materials
Sense check e.g. review the decision and consider whether it makes common sense

So what does this mean for you? You will probably be keen to know when your street will be repaired. SCIRT is currently preparing a schedule of work, which will outline the order of work. The schedule is still under development and will be approved by the Christchurch City Council and CERA before being made available in the near future.
Locally this week, they'll be working on Bridge St Bridge in South New Brighton where they'll be carrying out bridge investigations; work should be completed by mid March. Telephone 941 8999 for more information

CanCERN Surveys / Data Collection
CanCERN are collecting information to provide evidence for claims we are making about insurance and EQC related issues. If you relate to one of the following statements, please click the link and spend a few minutes filling in our survey. All identifying information remains confidential to the CanCERN staff.
EQC and my insurer don't agree on the total cost of the damage to my house.
I have a report from a professional that suggests the EQC/insurance assessment is incorrect.
My insurer initially told me that my house was a 'total loss' (rebuild) but now they have said I am a repair.

Individual Grants & Hardship
CLICK HERE for application information for the Mayors Welfare Earthquake Relief Fund if your hardship is related to the earthquakes and you live in Christchurch city.
CLICK HERE for application information for the Mayors Welfare Fund if your hardship is not directly earthquake related and you live in Christchurch City.
CLICK HERE for application information for the Waimakariri Earthquake Relief Fund if your hardship is related to the earthquakes and you live in Waimakariri.
CLICK HERE for application information about the Waimakariri Relief Fund if your hardship is not directly earthquake related and you live in Waimakariri.
CLICK HERE for eligibility information about the Selwyn Earthquake Relief Fund and
HERE for an application form if your hardship is earthquake related and you live in Selwyn.

The New Zealand Red Cross have announced two new grants:
Storage Grant The storage grant is: "To assist homeowners who have had to vacate their damaged property and pay for storage for their belongings anytime since 4 September 2010 and have exhausted other financial assistance to pay for storage." The value of the grant will be up to $500 per household. More information is available
here, along with a downloadable application form.
Winter Assistance Grant The aim of this grant is to assist vulnerable households who are living in homes significantly damaged by the earthquakes, or who have had to move into damp or hard to heat accommodation. The significant damage must include serious compromise to the heating and/or insulation of the home. This grant assists households with their electricity bills over the months of June, July, August and September 2012. Up to $400 per household will be paid over four months to assist with electricity bills.

Earthquake Support Coordinators: Call 0800 777 846 to be connected to a coordinator who can help navigate your way through earthquake issues.
Earthquake Counseling: Call 0800 777 846 for information and access to free earthquake counseling.

Some important Links
EQC – addition to FAQ on deciding how to settle a claim.
Vero insurance – changes to their temporary accommodation policy
Village people – a report from Linwood Park Temporary Earthquake Village
Release of cabinet papers
Inside information on EQC’s practices
CERA video – property demolitions in the residential Red Zone
Free financial advice for Canterbury red zone residents
Apportionment – is EQC now your insurance company?

If you're anything like me you're quite possibly cringing about the amount of recyclable materials that are being dumped. Fear not, there's somebody who is on the case. I met a lovely lady under the wishing tree last week who told me that she and some associates are 'recycling to order'. If you, or your community group, can think of a building material that you might need, or even a piece of office furniture (think of anything that can be removed from some of the buildings that are being knocked over in town: insulation, furniture, light fittings...) make yourself a 'wish list' and email it to the lovely people at recover-earth@live.com - you can very simply help saving the planet while saving your pocket.

Next newsletter, because you know I'm always up to something, I'll be able to bring you some fabulous news about some meetings I've been attending in New Brighton where folk will be discussing our community's needs...

As always, I welcome your contributions and advice if you have any.
Nga mihi,
Rebecca