The Minister Responsible for Earthquake Recovery has been personally affected by the Canterbury earthquake.
The home of Gerry Brownlee, the MP for Ilam, is a casualty of the quake.
Radio New Zealand News understands that the house was suffering from pile problems before the earthquake and the family had moved out so that work could begin repairing them.
But the earthquake knocked the house off its foundations.
A spokesperson for Mr Brownlee says the minister does not want to discuss the matter and draw attention to himself.
He says Mr Brownlee has yet to visit his home to view the damage.
