The Earthquake Recovery Minister says while there’s been plenty of criticism of our insurance system at home, it’s proven to be the envy of many other countries around the world.

Gerry Brownlee has led New Zealand's delegation to Sendai, Japan, for the 3rd UN World Conference on disaster risk reduction, where the General Assembly hopes to ratify a new international risk framework.

Mr Brownlee says he spent the weekend giving presentations on how New Zealand’s financial burden after Christchurch was largely picked up by the private sector.

"There are people who have got difficulties, I don't want to minimise those difficulties. But to be in a position where the vast majority of people are able to make decisions and move forwards is far preferable to what happens in many countries."

Tyler is in Japan covering the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction thanks to the Asia New Zealand Foundation