Nelson MP Nick Smith says it's reasonable that Earthquake Commission staff have time off over Christmas and New Year.
They have made initial inspections of about half the damaged properties in Nelson and Tasman caused by last week's record rainfall.
But some homeowners have been told it will be at least January the 9th before assessors start the work.
Some 461 claims have been filed with EQC, with about half the properties inspected as of Wednesday.
Dr Smith says the size of the disaster is putting huge pressure on all Civil Defence agencies and he will closely watch progress on claims.
