11 September 2016
Media release:
Minto Vs Brownlee
Christchurch mayoral candidate John Minto is challenging National MP Gerry Brownlee to a public debate on the
government’s payout of $595,000 each to four of the minister’s wealthy constituents when they were entitled to just
$20,000 each from EQC.
The payments were made for land remediation following the September 2010 earthquake.
While other properties were to be covered by a $140 million fund National’s cabinet agreed to pay five landowners on
“isolated properties” (four in Fendalton) individual pay-outs of eye-watering sums which other Christchurch residents
with similarly damaged land could only dream of.
The government’s explanation has been weak and unconvincing. Christchurch deserves a full and frank explanation with the
opportunity to question the minister.
Hence this challenge issued by email to the minister today.