Toka Tū Ake

The foundation from which we stand strong, together

Toka: (noun) rock, large stone, boulder

Tū: (verb) to stand, take place, set in place, establish

Ake: (particle) to raise upwards

Toka Tū Ake EQC has adopted a new name to better represent the role our scheme plays in supporting New Zealanders.

Our beautiful country is at high risk from natural hazards, but we have a unique national insurance scheme that exists to help us better understand those hazards, and to prepare for and recover from natural disasters when they occur.

The Toka Tū Ake scheme provides a foundation from which we can stand strong, together.

Our new name reflects the whakapapa of our nation. Our land is constantly changing from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslips and floods. Communities have lived alongside those perils for hundreds of years, and Māori have always believed the relationship and connection of people to land and nature is inseparable. 

Throughout history, we have learnt that the best way to be prepared for adversity is for communities to come together to share their knowledge and resources as support for one another.

Toka Tū Ake is the modern embodiment of that age-old truth.  Our experience and understanding of these natural disasters is growing constantly; together we can mitigate their impact on our people, their property and their quality of life.

Toka Tū Ake Natural Hazards Commission

The Minister responsible for the Earthquake Commission and Cabinet have decided our name will change to Toka Tū Ake Natural Hazards Commission, and this will happen in line with when the Natural Hazards Insurance Act comes into effect. We are transitioning to this new name to allow our customers to build familiarity with our new name while still being able to find us as EQC. 

The story of Rūaumoko

In Māori mythology, Rūaumoko is the god of earthquakes, volcanoes and geothermal activity.

In the beginning, Ranginui (sky father) and Papatūānuku (earth mother) were joined in such a strong embrace it created darkness. When their sons separated them to create light, Ranginui grieved so much for Papatūānuku that his tears flooded the land. Their sons turned Papatūānuku over so their parents would not face each other and see each other’s sorrow.

Rūaumoko is the youngest, unborn son of Ranginui and Papatūānuku. He was turned toward the earth in his mother’s womb. His brothers gave him fire so he could warm himself in the darkness.

Being so closely tied with his mother, Rūaumoko felt her pain at the separation. When he stirs, he expresses his anger through geothermal currents, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

As we live alongside Rūaumoko’s rumblings and Ranginui’s tears, EQC’s role is to help make our homes stronger, ensure new homes are built on better land, and provide support when damage occurs.