From today the public can have their say on how the Earthquake Commission (EQC) might handle future natural disasters.

Photo: RNZ/Dru Faulkner

Dame Silvia Cartwright is leading the public inquiry into EQC.

She is looking at what can be learned from the Canterbury earthquakes and other events like the Edgecumbe flood.

From today, people, groups and organisations can give their written views to the inquiry.

Dame Silvia said a critical part was hearing from people who have had experiences with EQC, and any changes to its policies, operations and service they think were needed.

She said the inquiry's scope did not include apportioning blame, revisiting legal judgments or addressing individual insurance claims.

Submissions can be made until 19 May, and a report is due to be delivered by the end of this year.