The Government has admitted it is looking into a 'recall' over Earthquake Commission (EQC) checks on 140,000 homes.
The Minister responsible for the EQC, Megan Woods, has revealed the recall is being considered as part of an independent review currently underway at the commission.
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Asked by Newshub if an overall recall was on the table, Ms Woods replied: "Everything is on the table in terms of fixing this mess".
That would mean recalling checks on 140,000 homes in Christchurch - a very big job that Ms Woods admitted would be expensive.
"It would be incredibly expensive, but also it is an incredibly expensive problem," she said.
"I am willing as minister to face the problems that we have - to face the budget blowouts and look at resolutions."
Ms Woods said at the end of April she would get a report from the independent ministerial assessor she has appointed to look into EQC.
"They will give me a range of options about how we can fix this mess, and what we need to do to get a resolution of claims for people," she explained.
"I'll be taking all options into account then, and looking at everything that can be done."
Andrew Hooker, of Shine Lawyers, is running a class action to sue EQC and wants a total recall - comparing it to the recent recall of Toyota cars because of faulty airbags.
"If EQC has found its repairs are botched, it should contact every person whose house it repaired to get them checked," he said.
A Newshub investigation has found the Government believes fixing EQC's botched repairs could potentially cost the taxpayer $1 billion.
Wednesday's development on the possible recall came as Matt Dalzell met with earthquake advocate Ali Jones at her home.
The Dalzells sold the home to her thinking EQC had cleared it, but it now turns out it requires over $1 million of repairs.
However because of the EQC 'on-sold' issue, neither insurance or EQC will cover it - a problem that hundreds or even thousands of Christchurch people find themselves in.
Newshub.
