Red Zone deadline update

CERA have issued a media release (here) announcing the grounds on which a deadline extension may be granted for those  stuck in the Red Zone on flat land. In part the media release states:

“We have already been in contact with the majority of these people for a long time, so we have been aware of their concerns. However the workshops just gave us a chance to get more information about their situations, as no two cases are the same.”

Mr Sutton says cases for an extension will only be considered on strict criteria. That includes whether obstacles a property owner may have in settling are beyond their control, their particular health or age-related vulnerabilities, and the impact an extension may have on activities such as property clearances and infrastructure services.

Letters are being sent to affected Red Zone property owners to explain the case by case extensions, and information can be accessed on the CERA website (here).

Requests for extensions need to sent to CERA as follows:

  • Settlement date  31 July 2013 then the request must be submitted by 5pm 14 June 2013
  • Settlement date  31 August 2013 then the request must be submitted by 5pm 19 July 2013

A copy of the request form is here.

The important information from the CERA website is below :

Case-by-case settlement extensions

The Chief Executive of CERA may grant short extensions on a case-by-case basis, based on vulnerability and individual circumstances. It is important to remember that the date the Crown purchases and payment is made for the property is the same date that you settle and vacate the property. If your settlement date is extended, the Crown payment will then not be made until your new settlement date.

In deciding whether or not to grant an extension on a case-by-case basis the Chief Executive of CERA will also need to consider:

  • whether the barriers or obstacles you have in settling are beyond your control
  • whether you have exhausted all other reasonable options
  • whether you or members of your household have any vulnerabilities (which could include age, health, medical/disability)
  • your individual circumstances
  • timeframes and the impact an extension may have on other activities such as property clearances, safety and security, property maintenance and infrastructure services
  • any other relevant matters.

Requests will be assessed as soon as possible. While your request is being processed you will need to continue to progress towards your agreed settlement date as per your Agreement for Sale and Purchase with the Crown.

If you have any questions about the process or completing the request form, please call us on 0800 RING CERA (0800 7464 2372).

To request an extension, the property owner will need to fill in the request form, along with any relevant supporting documentation, and send it to:
The Chief Executive
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority
PO Box 4999
Christchurch

OR

info@cera.govt.nz

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