The New Zealand Government says making claims after natural disasters will become easier after a bill was introduced incorporating recommendations from a recent inquiry.

The Earthquake Commission (EQC) will be renamed as Toka tū Ake – Natural Hazards Commission. Toka tū Ake translates as “the foundation from which we stand strong together”.

Earthquake Commission Minister David Clark says improvements from the bill will mean “future New Zealanders don’t have to go through the same traumatic experiences as the people of Canterbury”.

“The Natural Hazards Insurance Bill takes into consideration the important lessons we’ve learned over the last decade. It simplifies and clarifies the current Earthquake Commission Act and incorporates a number of the recommendations from Dame Silvia Cartwright’s Public Inquiry,” he said.

“The Bill makes the rules for mixed and multi-use buildings clearer, it clarifies regulations relating to repairing buildings and land following a landslip or other land damage, and simplifies the excesses and calculations for retaining walls, bridges and culverts.

“A claimant code and a standing dispute resolution service are also introduced, so future claimants can access support in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.

“The Bill’s name - Natural Hazards Insurance Bill - recognises the fact that EQC’s mandate extends further than just helping people recover from earthquakes. In fact, its insurance scheme also covers landslips, volcanoes, tsunami and hydrothermal activity.”

Claimants will still lodge claims with their insurer to access entitlements via Toka tū Ake - Natural Hazards Commission following any event.