New Zealand has created an insurance tribunal to resolve outstanding claims relating to the 2010/11 Canterbury earthquakes, providing $NZ3.39 million ($3.22 million) in funding.

Justice Minister Andrew Little says the tribunal will be a circuit-breaker for homeowners trapped in disputes over their claims.

New time claims and reopened claims due to additional damage or bad repairs can also be filed with the tribunal, but on-sold properties cannot be considered.

Cases can be transferred from the High Court and homeowners can have an advocate speak on their behalf, a support person for all tribunal hearings and a communications representative.

“The tribunal gives flexibility,” Mr Little said. “It will be a very human and accommodating process that gives us a much better chance of bringing resolution and conclusion to these difficult claims.”

Fewer than 0.6% of all claims remained outstanding at the beginning of last year.