Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Canterbury Earthquake Temporary Accommodation Service?

The Canterbury Earthquake Temporary Accommodation Service was set up by The Building and Housing Group (within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) and the Ministry of Social Development in order to help Canterbury householders who need assistance finding temporary accommodation after the earthquakes. There are three parts to the service:

• matching and placing people into appropriate temporary accommodation
• providing financial assistance
• earthquake support coordination

Who is eligible to access the Temporary Accommodation Matching and Placement service?

The Temporary Accommodation Matching and Placement Service is there to assist those people affected by the quakes who are experiencing difficulty accessing suitable alternative accommodation while their homes are being rebuilt or repaired. We will help you work out what temporary accommodation suits best and then match and place you in appropriate temporary accommodation available at that time.

We can assist both homeowners and people who rent accommodation to find temporary housing.

The aim is to help people affected by the quakes make your own choices about what suits you best. The first priority is to use the existing housing stock in the private rental market.

Some people will be eligible for the Government supported temporary villages.

Homeowners whose insurance cover for temporary accommodation rental costs has run out, may be eligible for Temporary Accommodation Assistance (see below).

Housing New Zealand tenants should contact HNZC directly for help if needed to discuss their housing needs on 0800 801 601. 

What sort of accommodation is available?

Accommodation options include private rental accommodation and Government supported accommodation in the temporary villages. We will work with you to assess your housing needs and will match and place you with what accommodation is available at that time.

What does 'Government supported' accommodation consist of?

Temporary villages with portable homes have been erected at Linwood Park, Kaiapoi Domain and Rawhiti Domain. The units at the temporary villages look like small houses, and come in various sizes from one to four bedrooms Kaiapoi Village has 22 units, Rawhiti 20 units and Linwood 41 units.

How do people register?

To register, you will need to complete an assessment with staff from the Canterbury Earthquake Temporary Accommodation Service (CETAS). You can do this by applying online, calling the dedicated 0800 number or by visiting one of the offices listed below.

Complete our online assessment form.

Please contact us on 0800 673 227 (Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm).

Where can I get more information?

Call: Freephone 0800 673 227 (Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm).

Visit:

• Canterbury Earthquake Temporary Accommodation Service (Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm)
  • Level 4, 7 Winston Avenue, Papanui
  • Level 2, 10 Nelson Street, Riccarton
• Avondale Earthquake Assistance Centre, (Call 0800 RING CERA for opening hours) Cnr Wainoni & Breezes Roads (located within Avondale Golf Course) 
• Waimakariri Earthquake Hub (Call 0800 RING CERA for opening hours), 24 Sewell Street, Kaiapoi
• A local Work and Income office

Selwyn District: if you can’t come to see us, please contact 0800 673 227 and we will arrange an appointment to see you at a convenient location.

What will happen once people register?

Once your eligibility is confirmed and your needs are assessed, staff will help to match and place you with appropriate, available, temporary accommodation.

How long will the temporary accommodation be available?

This will depend on the assessment of individual needs and what options are available.

How will you decide who is a priority?

We will work with householders and people renting private properties to understand your current accommodation needs on a case by case basis.

What about disabled people - how will they be accommodated?

Your housing needs will be assessed when you register with the Canterbury Earthquake Temporary Accommodation Service. That way we can match and place you with the most appropriate accommodation to suit your needs, for example a requirement for disabled access.

For any further needs, people should contact 0800 673 227.

Will temporary accommodation be in the same area I live in now?

We know that many households will want to stay in their area, close to schools and family. We will endeavour to place you within the area you currently live, if there is suitable accommodation available.

Will people have to pay rent for temporary accommodation?

Yes. The following rental charges will apply for the government supported temporary villages:

Rental costs are as follows:

• 2 person (1 bedroom) $190 per week
• 4 person (2 bedroom) $271 per week
• 6 person (3 bedroom) $337 per week
• 8 person (4 bedroom) $423 per week.

There are also some partially furnished units available (a limited number) and the rental for these is :

• 2 bedroom $355
• 3 bedroom $425
• 4 bedroom $515

Will people have to pay charges for utilities?

Residents will also need to arrange and pay for their own utility services (eg power, internet and telephone) while living in the villages.

Will people have to pay a bond?

To live in a temporary accommodation village you will need to pay two weeks rent as bond and two weeks rent in advance just like any normal renting situation.

Will I need to sign a tenancy agreement?

It depends what type of accommodation you are in. Where the Residential Tenancies Act applies, it is likely you will need to sign a tenancy agreement. Agreements are important; they protect both your rights and the landlords.

What is Temporary Accommodation Assistance (TAA)?

Temporary Accommodation Assistance is available for homeowners, including those in the Red Zone, whose homes are uninhabitable and their insurance cover for temporary accommodation has or is about to run out. Temporary Accommodation Assistance can help with rent, board or motel stays.

Please note Temporary Accommodation Assistance is not income or asset tested.

Temporary Accommodation Assistance rates of payment:

Who is eligible for the TAA?

To be eligible for Temporary Accommodation Assistance you must:

• be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (ie not be in New Zealand unlawfully or on a temporary permit) and generally be ordinarily resident in New Zealand

Are you in the Red Zone?

Generally, to be eligible for Temporary Accommodation Assistance you need to:

• have temporary accommodation costs
• have used all your insurance coverage for temporary accommodation costs
• be unable to live in your own home
• be eligible for the Government Offer
• have not yet received full settlement from the Government and/or from your insurance company and
• intend to live in Canterbury once you have received settlement.

If you are in the other zones:

Generally, to be eligible for Temporary Accommodation Assistance you need to:

• have temporary accommodation costs
• have used all your insurance coverage for temporary accommodation costs
• be unable to live in your own home because it is unsafe until it is rebuilt or repaired or
• be required to leave your own home while land remediation and / or house rebuild or repairs occur and
• intend to return to your home when the house is habitable.

All homeowners:

You may not be eligible for Temporary Accommodation Assistance if:

• your house wasn’t insured when it was damaged, or
• your insurance policy doesn’t cover temporary accommodation, or
• your insurance company hasn’t accepted your claim, or
• you are receiving income from the affected property (eg rent, board, etc)
• you move into a rental property you directly or indirectly own, or have an interest in.

For any further enquiries, please contact 0800 673 227.

How long can you receive it for?

Temporary Accommodation Assistance start date

You can receive TAA from the later date of:

• the date you ceased to occupy your damaged home

• the date your insurance cover for temporary accommodation expired

• the date you began to incur temporary accommodation costs

• the commencement of the programme

• the date you applied for TAA.

Temporary Accommodation Assistance end date

You can receive it until the earliest of:

• the programme expiry date of 1 March 2015; or

• the date you no longer incur temporary accommodation costs; or

• you are able to reoccupy your home; or

for those in the red zone until:

• you receive full settlement from the Government and/or your insurance company; or

• your Government Offer expires.

Will uninsured homeowners be able to apply for TAA?

Only in exceptional circumstances. If you don't have insurance or your insurance policy doesn't cover temporary accommodation and you require financial assistance, please visit the CETAS office to discuss your circumstances.

Will TAA cover my new rent or my mortgage?

Temporary Accommodation Assistance is a contribution towards your existing and new accommodation costs and is paid at a set rate. It does not reflect your actual outgoings.

If you are experiencing hardship and would like more information about other financial assistance that you might be entitled to, you can contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009 or www.workandincome.govt.nz

Do I still need to pay my mortgage and insurances?

Your normal obligations to your house costs will apply.

Can I arrange my own accommodation and still get TAA?

Absolutely. If you have found alternative accommodation, you can apply for TAA without using the matching and placement service that is also offered.

What other help can I get?

If you are experiencing hardship and would like more information about other financial assistance that you might be entitled to, you can contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009 or visit: www.workandincome.govt.nz. The Temporary Accommodation Service will also be able to offer information and links to other financial assistance.