Quake spurs plan to build new life

After inspecting the devastation and misery of the Christchurch earthquake, Matt Smith decided to return to Hawke's Bay for the next chapter in his life with his wife and three boys - all under the age of five.

"After spending 20 years in Wellington I returned to start my business, doing pre-purchase house inspections," he said.

"Whilst in Wellington I worked as a builder on everything from private homes to Te Papa. I left building and spent nearly seven years working for the Hutt City Council as a building inspector carrying out inspections and compliance approvals for building work on a multitude of constructions; from small alterations, to new residential, light commercial and high rise buildings."

When Christchurch was hit he was sent into the carnage to inspect residential and commercial properties for the Christchurch City Council.

"The emotional side was exhausting. Not only dealing with people in tears but having to experience aftershocks. We were staying in the corporate boxes in the CBS Arena and, boy, when there was a quake it really shook up there."

Mr Smith said witnessing residents' distress first hand brought home to him the importance of his work.

"Using all my experience I will be providing a pragmatic, comprehensive and easy to understand written report after each inspection." he said.

"The purchase of a house is a major expense and the pre-purchase inspection will help a prospective buyer make a more informed and therefore a better decision. Most people when purchasing a car will have a qualified person inspect the vehicle and offer comment, so when buying a house worth considerably more it makes sense to get a suitably qualified person to provide a report."

He is a premier-grade rugby referee and will be on the Saturday roster from Easter, which will be especially busy as he moves out of his parent's house to greet his family from Wellington and take possession of their new home.

Mr Smith said he wouldn't miss "Windy Wellington".

"Our family's decision to move back to the Hawke's Bay is to give them a better and more relaxed lifestyle, free of the wind and rain. Our interests extend beyond the new business and we look forward to being involved with children's sport, and also refereeing rugby - giving back to sports that I enjoyed while growing up in Hawke's Bay."