Vero Voice

Under­standing custom­er needs in Kaikoura

Paul Smeaton

By Paul Smeaton
Chief Executive Officer

6 December, 2016

Last week I visited Kaikoura and other areas of the upper South Island that were affected by the Kaikoura earthquake on 14 November.

The sheer enormity of the damage left by the earthquakes is incredible. More than two weeks on, it was the basics that the community still needed. In Kaikoura, the Council’s critical focus is on their community’s access to safe drinking water, flushable toilets and power.

My visit there was an experience I’ll never forget. It’s one thing to follow the media reports of the quake, but nothing prepares you for being there, speaking to customers and seeing what the communities are going through.

Below is a short video that shows the scale of the damage I saw in Kaikoura last week.

For customers who need to make a claim

Right now our customers are making emergency repairs and working through the details of their insurance claims with us and EQC.

We are working closely with EQC and the Insurance Council of New Zealand to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will see private insurers act on EQC’s behalf so that the insurers will effectively manage all of their customers’ claims from the Kaikoura earthquake.

I encourage our customers to call us to lodge a claim, or even for help and advice, so we can help you make repairs and get your claim settled as quickly as possible.

You can call our Natural Disaster Line on Call us0800 808 121.

We also have a temporary office at the Craypot Café and Bar in Kaikoura, 70 West End, for customers who would like to come in and talk to our team or ask any questions you have.

To everyone who has been affected by the recent earthquakes, our thoughts are with you – and we’re here to help.

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The information in this article has been compiled from various sources and is intended to be factual information only. Full details of policy terms and conditions are available from Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited or your financial adviser. For advice on product suitability, please contact your financial adviser. While we take reasonable steps to ensure that the information contained in this article is accurate and up-to-date, it is subject to change without notice. Vero Insurance New Zealand and its related companies does/do not accept any responsibility or liability in connection with your use of or reliance on this article.