WELLINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal Bill passed its third reading in the New Zealand parliament on Wednesday, paving another pathway to resolve insurance claims relating to the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.
Justice Minister Andrew Little said that the bill allows establishing the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal, which will provide those homeowners who have long-outstanding insurance claims with a fair, speedy, flexible and cost-effective way to help resolve their claims and move on with their lives.
It is expected that the Tribunal will begin operations in mid-June this year. There will be no fee to access the Tribunal and the homeowner can access it without a lawyer.
"The Tribunal will be homeowner-led and will be able to tailor its approach to the needs of each case. Referral to an independent, funded mediation service will be one of the options available for resolving claims without the need for a formal hearing," said Little.
The bill will become law after the royal family assents.
A strong earthquake hit Canterbury Region in New Zealand's South Island on Feb. 22, 2011, killing 185 people.
