As we live our strange, stretched lives under covid-19, this has been released: https://eqcinquiry.govt.nz/inquiry-reports/ So many in ChCh will find versions of their stories here, but for the rest of us it's an insight into those very tough months & years. (Still not resolved, for all.) (Cont...)

And this stands so true, then & now:

"...the consequences are not simply the financial costs to home and business owners and to the Government. The consequences extend... ...even more compellingly to citizens’ rights to be treated with dignity and respect..." (Cont. below...)

(Quote continued...) "....and their reasonable expectations for assistance from their leaders in times of high need."

Dame Silvia also says: "A lack of empathy from EQC for claimants... has emerged as one of the key concerns I have heard."

(Cont...)

Leadership, fairness, empathy.

It is important to remember, as Dame Silvia points out, that this was a huge event, and EQC was overwhelmed by it.

But, for the most part, people did have "reasonable expectations", and leadership, empathy & fairness shouldn't be too much to ask.