Turnout for free post-quake property seminar reflects public's desire to move on

Around 800 people attended a free post-quake property seminar organised by Harcourts in Christchurch this week to give the public some clarity about real estate in the region.

The seminar, which was held on Monday night at the Christchurch Town Hall, featured a range of qualified speakers who provided updates and information primarily aimed at educating potential buyers or sellers about the current situation, explains Harcourts New Zealand CEO Hayden Duncan.

“There is a lot of uncertainty and misinformation in the marketplace and we felt it was critical to address that by organising an opportunity for the public to hear first-hand from relevant experts, thus providing them with the clarity and confidence to act,” he says.

Mr Duncan says the strong turn-out reflects the Canterbury public’s desire to move on and their thirst for information and advice on buying and selling real estate after the earthquake.

“From the feedback we’ve received the seminar was much appreciated and also of benefit to those who attended so we are very grateful to the speakers and our sponsors - vbase, Shipleys and The Press - who helped make it possible.”

Videos of the various speakers’ presentations are now available online:

• Council: Deputy Mayor Ngaire Button
• Surveyor: James Bundy, a chartered building surveyor from Hampton Jones

• Valuer: Mark Shalders, a registered valuer from Darroch Ltd
• Insurance: Garry Taylor, General Manager Personal Lines and Support at NZI, IAG New Zealand Limited
• Legal: Celia Barker, a partner at Cavell Leitch Law
• Finance: Andrea Kemp from Mortgage Express.