Outcasts case settled

The Crown will settle litigation with a group known as the Quake Outcasts, Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration Nicky Wagner says.

The Quake Outcasts challenged the Government’s offer for their uninsured properties in Greater Christchurch's Residential Red Zones. The Court of Appeal released an interim decision in the group’s favour last month.

“As soon as we had the Court’s decision, we moved swiftly to provide certainty,” Ms Wagner says. 

“In saying that, the decision to settle was not taken lightly. The Government carefully considered a range of factors, including fairness, financial responsibility, protecting the value of insurance and the litigants’ wellbeing.

“Cabinet has agreed to pay each of the 16 litigants 80 per cent of the pre-earthquake (2007/08) rateable value of uninsured property improvements, as well as a one-off payment to account for the Court’s decision and extra uncertainties and costs.” 

Each of the former property owners has already been paid 100 per cent of the pre-earthquake value of their land.

“The Christchurch quakes were like nothing we’ve ever experienced. The Crown purchased over 7700 properties, based on their pre-earthquake value, to help people move on with their lives. All decisions were made in good faith, with the best available information at the time,” Ms Wagner says.  

Any other decisions in response to the Court of Appeal’s judgment will be made by the Government after the general election.