The number of jobs at New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission (EQC) will almost halve from January, as work related to the Canterbury quakes enters its final phase.

However, the organisation will maintain a slightly larger workforce than previously flagged.

The EQC will have 458 positions from next year, down from 868 in August.

The confirmed structure includes 75 more positions than a proposal outlined last month, reflecting staff feedback and decisions about the process for resolving remedial enquiries next year.

“The EQC will continue to resolve Canterbury remedial enquiries on properties where we have managed a repair, and resolve claims for drains damaged by the earthquakes,” CEO Ian Simpson says. “There are also a range of administrative and financial tasks to be completed.”

Under the new structure, the Wellington operation will have about 185 fewer roles and there will be reductions of about 150 in Canterbury and 75 in Hamilton.

The commission says it must remain ready to respond to future natural disasters and continue negotiating and managing natural disaster reinsurance.

“The EQC will also continue settling the average 5000-8000 natural disaster claims received nationally each year, funding research to the tune of $NZ16 million ($15.5 million) per year and educating the public on natural hazards and how to mitigate them,” it says.

Building group Fletcher Earthquake Recovery, which has been working on the Canterbury Home Repair Program, will continue its role next year but probably with a smaller team and a focus on managing underfloor work arising from a review of repairs.