Mark RonHon RON MARK (Minister of Defence): Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker. I rise on behalf of New Zealand First to support this legislation to indicate our support and if I could to thank the Governance and Administration Committee for the work that it has done particularly Brett Hudson who's just spoken and who is the chair and Ginny Andersen Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi the Hon Jacqui Dean—it's always good to see the Hon Jacqui Dean's name there when it comes to discussing matters such as this because she brings her wealth of the local government whānau to the table in that respect—Paul Eagle the Hon Peeni Henare Jamie Strange Dr Jian Yang and Stuart Smith who spoke right at the outset. I've got to say as one who's got a large number of family in the Canterbury area who went through the earthquakes and some of whom struggled with the insurance issues that arose after that series of earthquakes it is very pleasing to see this legislation here. New Zealand First supported the concept of this bill right from the outset. I have to say that listening to some of the heartache and the heartbreak that we've heard over the years you could say it's a bit disappointing that such an initiative wasn't taken under the previous term of Government. But we are here and so I guess we rejoice at this. It's taken eight years since the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and thousands of insurance claims remain unresolved. This delay has left Cantabrians feeling weary and frustrated and sadly we've heard of cases where people's mental health has been greatly affected and their incomes and their ability to move on and get on with life have been hugely affected and that is not something that sits easily on the minds of many I know. The fact that this bill establishes a specialist tribunal and a fully funded mediation service to help the people of Canterbury resolve longstanding residential insurance claims is something that should be applauded. The tribunal has been developed to be homeowner-initiated to ensure the policyholders feel empowered and in control of their situation. The bill puts the choice to access the tribunal in the hands of policyholders by allowing them to apply to the tribunal rather than insurers of the Earthquake Commission. I've got to say that going through the select committee's report it is very clear to me—and I could look at a number of areas and I've also had a look at the summary because obviously I'm not on the committee. There were 26 written submissions from individuals and organisations. Ten submitters presented orally to the committee. Sixteen supported the intent of the bill—the establishment of a tribunal—with most of those submitters suggesting changes to clarify proposals to ensure that they were workable. Eight submitters did not expressly support or oppose the bill. One submitter expressly opposed the bill because he believed the tribunal will not work and that it will be biased against policyholders—I'll be looking forward to that submitter's comments in a few years from now after the tribunal has set about doing its work. It's very clear that the select committee has given this bill its full attention. As I go through the report I'm looking at a range of matters discussed by the committee where recommendations have been made as to changes and I'm anticipating that those recommendations are going to be picked up in the Supplementary Order Paper that the Minister said would be tabled come the committee stage. I think looking at clause 5 and then going down to look at the application of the Act in clause 8 there are recommended changes there by the select committee as to eligibility criteria. The select committee again has recommended changes. The form of response in clause 15—changes again. Transferring proceedings from the court to the tribunal in clause 16—the committee has recommended a number of changes in there. All I would say again looking through the select committee's report is that I note that it would appear to have been unanimously supported although there may be some reservations and some discussion yet to happen. I just want to congratulate the committee and thank them very much and I thank the Minister for bringing the bill to the House.