Hundreds protest in Chch over EQC

(Southern No Response/Facebook)
(Southern No Response/Facebook)

A protest rally in Christchurch is targeting the Government over the way people say they have been treated, five years on from the February earthquake.

Hundreds have gathered in Cathedral Square to protest the thousands of homeowners forced to live what they say are third-world conditions as they wait for insurance companies and the Earthquake Commission (EQC) to step up.

Newshub reporter Mel Logan says the vocal protesters are waving placards and voicing their frustration.

Thousands of claims are yet to be resolved, and the protesters are demanding these be settled within the next six weeks.

Protesters Newshub spoke with called the insurance situation an "appalling mess of lies and incompetence".

Hundreds protest in Chch over EQC

(Southern No Response/Facebook)

Sheamus O'Cromtha says people's patience has worn out.

"If this had happened in Europe, where I lived before I immigrated, it wouldn't have taken five and half years before you had widespread unrest. This is a peaceful demonstration," he says.

The Residential Advisory Service claims the stress of undertaking the repair process has forced many to walk away.

Hundreds protest in Chch over EQC

(Southern No Response/Facebook)

The flyer for the protest reads: "We want the rest of New Zealand to see just how many of us are still waiting to be repaired or rebuilt, short-changed by or still waiting for land compensation payments, watching our 'repaired' houses fall apart again and fighting red-zone pay-outs."

The description for the event on Facebook reads: "Voice your disapproval of those responsible for this continuing insurance debacle and warn NZ that they have been misled. Indeed and in fact all is NOT good in Christchurch."

Tomorrow marks the official five-year anniversary of the 2011, 6.3 magnitude earthquake that killed 185 people.

This will be marked by a gathering on the Archery Lawn for the Christchurch community at midday.

Governor-General Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae will be there, along with Prime Minister John Key and Mayor of Christchurch Lianne Dalziel.

Newshub.