Media release
21 November 2016

MBIE releases Statistics House investigation Terms of Reference

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released the Terms of Reference for its investigation into Wellington’s Statistics House. MBIE’s investigation will look at the performance and design of the building, which was structurally damaged in Monday’s7.8 magnitude quake. For context the investigation may also look at comparable buildings.

Building, Resource and Markets Acting Deputy Chief Executive Chris Bunny says the aim is to provide insights on buildings that share similar design features and ground conditions.

“We need to understand why Statistics House responded as it did, while nearby buildings appeared to have suffered little damage. What we learn from the investigation may be applicable to other buildings that have similar design features and ground conditions.

“Once the investigation is complete, if needed, we will consider changes to the building regulatory system.”

As part of the investigation MBIE will commission a range of experts, including structural and geotechnical engineers to assess the building. MBIE will work with the building owners, tenants and Wellington City Council, which is responsible for the safety of buildings in its area.

A panel of experts to oversee the investigation is being appointed and will be chaired by seismologist Dr Helen Anderson.

The Terms of Reference is available here.

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Biography of Dr Helen Anderson
Dr Anderson is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD), and Chair of the Wellington branch of the IoD. In addition to her current governance roles she holds advisory board roles for a software services company and chairs or is a member of advisory committees for four government chief executives. Her previous roles include Chief Executive of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST). She has contributed to many reviews of technically complex issues, including the work of the Defence Technology Agency and the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission.
She is a Companion of The Queen’s Service Order, the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Institution of Professional Engineers (2006-2016). Most recently she was appointed Patron for Wing 297 New Zealand Police Recruits.

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