Christchurch City Council begins battle over $900m earthquake insurance claim
In New Zealand, Christchurch City Council and its insurer, Civic Assurance, have begun talks over how to resolve a $900m earthquake insurance claim, caused by the 2011 earthquake, the nation's second deadliest natural disaster that killed 185 people.  The discussion will cover the council's damaged buildings, which have yet to be paid for, with one sticking point being the council's claim on the now abandoned Lancaster Park.  Civic Assurance says it could be repaired, however, the city council believes it is condemned and is therefore claiming a $143m payout.  
The Christchurch City Council and its insurer, Civic Assurance, will today begin three days of mediation to try to resolve a $900 million earthquake insurance claim.

It covers most of the council's damaged buildings and facilities which have yet to be paid for, four and a half years after the February 2011 earthquake.

A major stumbling block is the council's claim on the now abandoned Lancaster Park.

Civic Assurance said it can be repaired but the city council says it was condemned and is claiming a $143 million payout.