The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is now manning an office in Wanganui, offering an opportunity for face-to-face discussions with people who have lodged claims after last month's floods.
Gail Kettle, EQC's customer and claims general manager, said while the office would be a base for the four staff assessing damage, it was also a chance for people to deal directly with the staff.
"The office's main function is as a base for our staff deployed to the region to assess damage for settling claims. They've done a great job, assessing nearly 170 of some 344 claims received so far," Ms Kettle said.
"But they've taken the next step to make the office suitable for customers seeking help from our claims managers.
"Some people prefer to deal with a person and the manageable numbers of this event means we can provide this for Wanganui," she said.
EQC has had two two-man assessment teams on the ground since the June 20/21 floods, and while one team is out in the field, the other one will be back in the office carrying out their paperwork in the office in Unit G, 69 Taupo Quay, directly across the road from Trafalgar Square.
"Their work involves assessing and paperwork to progress the claims so we're trying to organise that plenty of staff will be available during our opening hours," Ms Kettle said.
A claims manager will be available at the office from 10am-3pm today, and again on Monday and Tuesday next week. People should have insurance policy details at hand.
Ms Kettle said the Wanganui EQC office will operate until August 5. The office will be open from Monday to Friday, staffed from 3-6pm. "If you want to speak to either a claim manager or an assessor in person, visit the EQC office during the specified hours."