The Red Zone rebels vs Gerry Brownlee

Email
Print

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 7:00p.m.

Brent and Shirley Cairns

Brent and Shirley Cairns

Brent and Shirley Cairns don't know what lurks beneath their feet. They've been told their section in Kaiapoi is red-zoned, but they don't know why.

They haven't been shown any land information, and to the naked eye they say there's no physical evidence it has been damaged at all.

So they are digging in their heels and refusing to budge - and others say they'll do the same.

What’s Gerry Brownlee's reaction to the red zone rebels?

Watch the video.

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

24 Sep 2011 02:47p.m.

Brent and Shirley Cairns, Kaiapoi Rebels wrote:

I checked the CERA website for details and procedures for those people in the redzones that want their land re assessed...it was in the frequently asked section... Or should I say it was....they have removed the whole section explaining what you needed to do to request re zoning... Yet again Mr Brownlee and CERA are placing barriers in the road of those people that have been worst hit by the Canterbury Earthquakes by denying them the right to appeal the zoning of their LAND...SHAME ON YOU BROWNLEE ...you are perverting our right to natural justice.

23 Sep 2011 11:11p.m.

Brent and Shirley Cairns, Kaiapoi Rebels wrote:

The issue that was missed is that the government have mislead those in the Red Zones from the start, they have used covert tactics making people think that it is compulsory buy out of the land, when all along that was not the case, the government have denied us access to geotech reports as to why our land has deemed uneconomic to remediate. The other issue is that those in the Red Zones lose all of their rights of appeal, and the Government use my EQC payout to buy my land...in our case the government will buy my 1379m2 section for $40K... The difference the rateable payouts for land and the cost to replace that land will mean increased debt of $50-150K...increased debt that many will not be able to afford. The major issue we are finding is that insurance companies are changing their offers to red zone property owners from rebuild to repair reducing the insurance payout...some by as much as $300K Brownlee even lies in the interview when asked if we have options, we actually do, if you can find it on the CERA website, you can request your property to be looked at with the option of rezoning... Brownlee has shown that he has no compassion for Canterbury people, his only focus is to reduce the insurance companies fiscal responsibilities. Why we have decided to hold out and stay is on principal. No New Zealander deserves to be treated like this... We are holding a rally for those effected by zoning, red, green orange...this Sunday 25th September at 2pm at the band rotunda on Charles Street in Kaiapoi

23 Sep 2011 11:23a.m.

Wolfman wrote:

Oh I'm so sorry Jen for upsetting you, but I will stick with my original comments, most people move at least 3 - 4 times in their life, history or no history. They can stay if they like to live like back woodsmen with no services all for the sake of history, Good luck with that.

23 Sep 2011 09:54a.m.

redzoned in kaiapoi wrote:

I'm red zone in kaiapoi and am glad to be out of there. It will cost 3 times the value of the land to remediate it, in our case almost $500,000. There is no way to stay especially since insurance won't cover us and there will be no services. It's futile to take this stance. The energy is better spent on working with the government to get developers to stop being greedy and start offering land at a reasonable cost and to get insurance to start covering us so we can start to rebuild. I understand it's sad to leave all that history but the sooner everyone realizes this is the reality then they can realize they can build hopes and dreams in another place. It's just unproductive to sit and try to fight it.

23 Sep 2011 07:16a.m.

Jen wrote:

I appreciate your view, Wolfman, but it is callous to call people stupid for wanting to stay in homes that they have spent their lives in, brought their children up in and probably want to retire in. Are you also red zone, do you know what being told your home is being taken away feels like?

22 Sep 2011 09:27p.m.

Bruce wrote:

I assume they can go with solar water, solar power and haul their own rubbish, not sure about roads, paths etc. Could be something other people are contemplating. Might have very few neighbours though!

22 Sep 2011 08:53p.m.

Wolfman wrote:

So these people want thousands of dollars spent on Sewerage, phone, power etc to supply land that could collapse anytime. Good luck with that, and good luck with trying to get Insurance. I cannot believe how stupid some people here in ChCh are.