Tirikatene RinoRINO TIRIKATENE (Labour—Te Tai Tonga): Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I'd like to acknowledge the member Alastair Scott who just resumed his speech—thank you for the third instalment of that speech. It started in 2018 carried on into 2019 and we even had a dinner break intermission as well. So I'm sure the good people of the Wairarapa will acknowledge your tenacity and determination of getting through that contribution.I'm delighted to speak at the third reading of this bill. We're dealing with issues around insurance of residential properties caused by certain natural disasters. Of course what comes immediately to mind even though it's not a natural disaster is the fires and the emergencies that are taking place right now in the Nelson and Tasman districts. As the member for Te Tai Tonga I wanted to take the opportunity in this my first call to just acknowledge all of the work that is happening on the front line there and not only with all of the firefighters but also the whole communities that have rallied around and are continuing with their efforts. I wish them every success in putting those fires out.Albeit not covering fires caused by natural disasters this bill indeed covers natural disasters and the damage to residential properties. It's been 25 years since the enactment of this legislation and these are the first substantial amendments which are taking place. I want to acknowledge the Minister responsible for the Earthquake Commission the Hon Megan Woods for her leadership in this matter. No one wants to even contemplate things like natural disasters earthquakes tsunamis volcanic eruptions floodings and the like but they are possibilities that we have to prepare for. That's what this bill is about. It's about ensuring that the Earthquake Commission (EQC) has greater preparedness and is able to efficiently and effectively respond to these events and also respond around the claims management which is a big part of its job. I want to acknowledge the Minister.I know the member from the Wairarapa was lamenting that the bill didn't quite go as far as he wanted it to in certain areas but I do want to thank him and his fellow members of the Opposition for their support for this bill. These are very helpful logical and sensible changes and improvements that we're making to this legislation which can be implemented now. Who knows what future natural disaster events may happen but certainly by having these changes in place it will enhance the effectiveness of the Earthquake Commission.We mustn't forget Dame Silvia Cartwright the former Governor-General and an eminent jurist and judge of our courts. She is leading an independent public inquiry into EQC around its handling of the Christchurch earthquakes. I know that the Minister is going to be awaiting her report. We certainly could expect I would imagine some helpful improvements additional improvements that can be made to this piece of legislation. But for now there are four immediate amendments which we are making in this bill. Mr Smith—no sorry our member for the Wairarapa. First day back and I've forgotten your name!Hon Member: Alastair Scott.RINO TIRIKATENE: Alastair Scott—Mr Scott from Wairarapa. There are four helpful significant amendments that we're making. The first which has been traversed increasing the amount per claim. It's been 25 years and it's been stuck at $100000 plus GST. So that rate has been increased to $150000. That's certainly overdue in terms of the recognition of the increase of costs.Also the removal of contents and personal property cover from EQC which will now be picked up by private insurers—I think that's eminently sensible. We're dealing with residential property real estate significant home damage and that's really where the focus for EQC needs to lie as opposed to dealing with a whole multitude of personal property claims. So it's good that further clarity has been made in that area. Also there is a longer lodgment period. There have been many people particularly with the Canterbury earthquakes and—who knows? It may emerge through the Kaikōura earthquakes. They are two of the most significant seismic events to happen in this country and the largest events which EQC has had to deal with. There are situations where having to lodge a claim within three months is not—some people are unable to do that for various reasons. Having a degree of flexibility and discretion whereby EQC can—indeed I think we're stretching it to up to two years now. Provided certain criteria are met to the satisfaction of EQC then those claims will be accepted. So that's another welcome addition. Of course lastly there are some various changes around the ability for EQC to share private information. So all of these amendments are very welcome. They are the first of a series of amendments that will be made to this very important piece of legislation but it's important that we enact them now. I once again want to acknowledge the Hon Dr Megan Woods for her work in this area and the Earthquake Commission. Likewise all of the members of this House who are supporting this bill and have done work through the various stages which has led us to this point. With that I want to commend this bill to the House. Kia ora tātou. Bill read a third time.