An under-fire EQC engineer who allegedly gave the all-clear to a Canterbury house he considered dangerous has denied being abusive to homeowners.
A disciplinary committee hearing for Napier engineer Graeme Robinson, who was EQC's sole adviser after the Christchurch earthquakes, began in the southern city yesterday.
The Chartered Professional Engineers hearing is looking into complaints relating to 11 properties. The Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand began investigating in 2012 after complaints about Mr Robinson's conduct and inspections of quake-damaged properties.
Complainants Michael and Fiona Tierney told the committee Mr Robinson was rude and intimidating when he inspected their Coalgate home and declared it safe though they had been told to leave by the Selwyn council.
Mr Robinson recommended the house be green-stickered because the home's stability had not changed as a result of the quakes. But he still thought it was dangerous because of a free-standing hot water cylinder and exposed wiring.