Earthquake Commission (EQC) Chairman Maarten Wevers has resigned after the New Zealand Government stepped in over 2600 unresolved Canterbury quake claims.

Minister Responsible for the EQC Megan Woods says she will appoint an independent ministerial adviser to work with the board and management to help speed claims.

The Insurance Council of New Zealand has welcomed the move, with CEO Tim Grafton saying he supports speeding up settlements of outstanding claims arising from the Canterbury quakes.

Suncorp New Zealand EGM Claims Jimmy Higgins says his company has been working with customers who still have unresolved EQC claims “and we welcome any opportunity to see these expedited and resolved quickly”.

“We look forward to working constructively with the independent ministerial adviser once an appointment is made.”

A remorseful Mr Wevers says he takes responsibility for the EQC’s failings and, despite the fact less than 0.6% of 470,000 claims are outstanding, it is of no comfort the board, management or staff.

“Mistakes have been made, customers have not always been supported as they should have been  when they should have been, and it has taken a long time to reach the final stages of our response,” he said.

“We apologise to each and every claimant to whom we have not delivered as we should have. I leave with great regret that I won’t be able to continue to lend my support to commission staff and management over the last few steps on our journey together. I will be letting them down.”