The Earthquake Commission (EQC) says it is on track to settle most of the 38,000 Kaikoura earthquake residential claims by the end of the year.

At July 31, 62% of building claims’ initial assessments were completed, and 34% were settled, compared with 51% and 28% respectively at June 30.

The EQC has paid out $NZ39.1 million ($36.1 million) to insurers that manage EQC customers and $NZ21 million ($19.38 million) to customers the EQC manages.

About 66% of the 5300 claims managed by the EQC have been settled, while 87% have initial assessments completed.

The EQC and insurers continue to prioritise the worst-affected communities within Marlborough, Kaikoura and Hurunui.

In Marlborough 31% of the 4310 building claims have been settled and 73% have had initial assessments completed. About 26% of the 2924 Hurunui building claims have been settled and 85% assessed. In Kaikoura 45% of 2217 claims have been settled and 92% assessed.