Media Release

18 February 2011

Mayor of Selwyn District supports temporary accommodation package

Today Kelvin Coe, Mayor of Selwyn District, endorsed the Government’s announcement of temporary accommodation support for Canterbury residents that need to move out of their homes as a result of severe earthquake damage.

He also acknowledged that a shortage of rental accommodation remains an issue in the District.

“The Government’s temporary accommodation package goes a long way towards providing financial certainty for Selwyn residents forced to move out of their homes while earthquake repairs and rebuilding takes place,” said Mayor Coe.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee stated that, “Most people have either six month or 12 months temporary accommodation cover under their insurance policy, but the size and scale of the event means the recovery process will take longer than that.”

In response to the need for accommodation beyond the insured period, the government has announced a support service to help people find accommodation and temporary accommodation financial assistance of:

·         $180 per week for a one-person household;

·         $275 per week for a two-person household; and

·         $330 per week for households of three or more people.

The service is available from Monday and will be administered by the Ministry of Social Development and the Department of Building and Housing. Selwyn residents should call 0800 673 227 or visit www.quakeaccommodation.govt.nz to make an appointment for someone to visit them and discuss their needs.

Jenny Harkerss at the Selwyn District Council is also available to answer questions and to help Selwyn residents access the temporary accommodation financial assistance. Jenny can be reached on 027 435 2594 or at jenny.harkerss@selwyn.govt.nz.

Mayor Coe urges Selwyn residents that require temporary accommodation now – or know that they will in the future – to call the 0800 number, register online or contact Jenny at the Council.

In addition, Mayor Coe supports Minister Brownlee in asking any Selwyn property owners with a property to rent, that have not already listed it online or with an agent, to contact the temporary accommodation service.

“We know that there is only a very small amount of rental property available in Selwyn and that demand for temporary accommodation is likely to exhaust the current supply,” said Mayor Coe.

“The Council will be working with the Department of Building and Housing over the coming weeks to find ways to manage this issue.”

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