New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission (EQC) is facing growing unrest from Christchurch homeowners waiting for their homes to be fixed.

But the EQC says more than $NZ331 million ($256.9 million) has already been paid out so far for damage to residential properties from the September earthquake.

It says 129,112 individual claims have been received, including 22,532 for buildings, 16,111 for contents and seven minor land claims.

Media reports say residents are becoming increasingly upset at the time being taken for their damaged homes to be assessed and repaired.

But EQC CEO Ian Simpson says assessment teams are visiting up to 1000 premises every day.

“We continue to close around 500 claims per day, and the majority of properties with the most serious damage have now been assessed and we are now working through the region, suburb-by-suburb and town-by-town,” he said.

It’s also believed a significant area of flat land in the southern city of Dunedin is at risk of liquefaction in a major earthquake, as has happened in areas of Christchurch.

Media reports last week said this discovery could jeopardise insurance cover for people living in the area.

The Insurance Council of NZ did not respond to calls from insuranceNEWS.com.au today.