The nature of the security threat that cancelled last month's meeting in Christchurch between Southern Response and frustrated customers can now be revealed.

Audio recordings obtained by Newstalk ZB under the Official Information Act, capture a man comparing his situation with the insurer, to that off Ashburton Work and Income shooting accused Russell John Tully.

The man in the recording says his only alternative to fighting his insurer would be to quote "do a Tully, and shoot people'.

Going on to say, if you can't win, you take them out.

Emails released to Newstalk ZB show Southern Response CEO Peter Rose informing organisers the company would not be participating in the meeting, to protect staff and customers.

A group advocating for the claimants of Southern Response, says the insurer's handling of the threat has only lessened customers' trust in the company.

Southern No Response spokesperson Melanie Tobeck says the secrecy around the meeting's cancellation has done the insurer no favours.

"So the intention might have been in the right place, the motivation for the meeting may have also been very genuine, but it kind of backfired and just created a little more distrust."