Christchurch's first post - earthquake hotel is going ahead due in part to the efforts of a New Plymouth insurance brokerage firm, which went to London to seek help from English firm Lloyds.

Construction is due to start before Christmas of the 140-room, privately-owned Latimer Hotel on the edge of the red zone. It will be the first within the central city's four avenues, providing a boost for the damaged quake zone.

John Rae, of JRI Insurance, said his firm had been heavily involved in the hotel's claims settlement and arranging contract works insurance, required to be in place before rebuilding starts.

That insurance proved to be a sticking point because while the client's insurer agreed to meet the costs of the claim, they couldn't provide cover for the rebuilding risk.

Mr Rae said his broker manager Peter Sutton arranged for the cover out of London, allowing the quake-damaged hotel to be demolished and rebuild to start.

Check out the full story in the Taranaki Daily News today - http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/business/6002965/Taranaki-firm-helps-hotel-to-rise-again.