.jpg)
A month after its introduction to Parliament, the bill that will establish an insurance tribunal to resolve outstanding Earthquake Commission (EQC) and insurance claims arising from the Canterbury earthquakes has passed its first reading.
“Eight years on from the devastating September earthquake, too many people are still battling EQC or their insurance companies in order to get their claims resolved,” Justice Minister Andrew Little said.
He noted the tribunal will help Cantabrians resolve their claims. It will allow for binding resolutions to settle claims, and will not require a claimant to be able to afford expensive lawyer’s fees during the process.
Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods, meanwhile, said the bill’s passage is a fitting way to mark the eighth anniversary of the earthquakes.
“Eight years is too long to wait,” she said. “We know the delays around insurance are one of the key roadblocks holding back progress in Christchurch. That’s why this Government is taking action.”
The minister urges the public to have their say on the details of the bill through the upcoming Select Committee process.
