Tracing the $230 million in Christchurch earthquake donations

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Tracing the $230m in Chch quake donations

3News NZ

A New Zealand Urban Search and Rescue worker walks through the central business district during a search of earthquake damaged buildings in Christchurch (AAP)

A New Zealand Urban Search and Rescue worker walks through the central business district during a search of earthquake damaged buildings in Christchurch (AAP)

In the days following the February earthquake, we all watched, listened and read about the disaster that brought Christchurch to its knees.

Nearly two years on, life for many in the city is starting to get back to normal.

Millions of dollars is being pumped into road works, construction and rebuilds, but where did the money come from?

Some of it has come from the Government, but a lot of it has come from you.

Donations to the Earthquake Appeal, Red Cross and Christchurch City Council gathered more than $230 million. So where has it gone? And has it gone where it's needed most?

Watch the video to see Anna Burns-Francis’ report.

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Comments

25/10/2012 9:42:34 p.m.

Heather Bevan wrote:

All of that is just great. But is it really what the money was donated for. There are many families struggling with homes that are still not working. Many who are going to lose their homes, and should be getting help with funding to help with fighting the Insurance cos. There are still people staking their life because they cannot cope should not the money be helping the individual more. Iam sorry but I do not think the money is being distributed how the people who donated it would want it.

25/10/2012 7:09:40 p.m.

Warren wrote:

Wow - talk about living in a third world country! While residents are struggling, REALLY struggling (after almost TWO YEARS), the Govt and CCC give money away to bowling clubs, swimming pools, arts groups ... what a Mickey Mouse outfit!

25/10/2012 12:44:49 a.m.

May wrote:

I feel so sorry for you Christchurchers. I was very saddened while seeing the video and reading your heart breaking views. It is unbelievable that we are in a fairly wealthy nation and the authorities un the government seem suspect as though they are from a corrupt 3rd world country. I think that a caring Labour administration with people like Helen, Cullen, Jim Anderton and Lianne Dalziel would have done a more worthwhile humanitariam sensible job of this tragedy. Key, English, Brownlie are simply useless and not cut out for such humanitarian work, although they know how to look after the wealthy. My love and prayers are with you. Kia Kaha! (Be strong)

24/10/2012 8:28:19 p.m.

SYL wrote:

How many of the worst affected have been lawn bowling? Very few I would suggest, we are fully occupied dealing with EQC, insurance companies and trying to cover our mortgages, rates, insurances while paying rent elsewhere. After 2 years of battling with my insurer I'm facing a 2 thousand dollar bill for a quantity survey's assessment, Red Cross will grant me $750 towards that leaving me to pay the balance, as well as the bill for the builder's report and the lawyer's bill. I am so grateful for all the support shown by my fellow Kiwis but I have no idea where to money went. Certainly not to me or any of my neighbours in a suburb which will no longer exist next year.

24/10/2012 3:55:19 p.m.

Paula wrote:

Under normal conditions, spending money on swimming pools, theatre, art etc is a good thing, but these are NOT normal conditions. PEOPLE are under real financial and emotional stress in this city and the Govt (in particular CERA) have done nothing to help in the recovery of the people. We have been left to fend for ourselves and fight our insurers for what we have paid premiums for all these years. After almost 2 years, our house remains where it is (on the side of a hill) - unliveable - and we pay partial rates, partial insurance and a mortgage on it, while paying ever increasing rent. It won't be long before we will have to resort to a tent. I'm embarrassed and ashamed. The people of NZ gave to the citizens of ChCh in their darkest hour and the Govt and Council has diverted these funds for 'wish list' items of their own.

24/10/2012 3:50:23 p.m.

Hilary wrote:

I think the Mayor & the CCC should be ashamed of themselves. I wonder how Russell Crowe would feel knowing that the funds he requested have been used up in this manner (shameful). There are families living in miserable conditions - really struggling while waiting for insurers to pay out - and they have been forgotten about. I DO have to say some good words about the Red Cross - as they initially gave out grants, followed by various other grants, ie to help people pay for storage (for homes where people had to remove effects quickly & had to rent storage space - some are still paying for storage units). Another grant that exists from the Red Cross is for legal assistance & I believe there are more - they have been excellent. As for the Govt - they should hang their heads in shame.

24/10/2012 11:16:21 a.m.

Belinda wrote:

But what about the Red Cross? You said they'd used all but 16 million of the 150 million they collected, but you didn't tell us anything about where that had been spent.

24/10/2012 10:27:29 a.m.

carol wrote:

It was informative to watch your revealing profile on the spending due to the Ch-ch earthquakes. but there are a lot of cantabrians who are financially at a loss how to cope. Why are they not able to have full assistance from Council or other sources.Especially when there is still a large sum of money still available. Or is it that they are being neglected. If so why? I for one, am in category and unable to get a bank loan to replace damaged items. I tried to have assistance, but only had partial funding for one item that I had to only get at one specific shop. I did not like shat they had on offer. Why was badgering occurring,with so much other suffering happening as well.

24/10/2012 10:15:41 a.m.

lou wrote:

Great question, where has the money gone, they sure still have a lot too. Shame the public dont have a say in it, no doubt theyll be spending it on meetings, and “administration“. Chch: a great example for everyone else to learn not to follow in the footsteps of the authorities and insurance companies who screwed people over. 2 years on... Its unbelievable how slow its taken, and all the negative publicity. Japan rebuilt their super highway in what, 6, 7 days?

24/10/2012 9:49:35 a.m.

hamse wrote:

think about the children i would like tv3 to make a show that is kids news please that would encourage students to work hard