Urgency needed on earthquake--prone building policy changes

MEDIA RELEASE

24/7/2013

Urgency needed on earthquake--prone building policy changes

Commercial building owners and local authorities across New Zealand are hanging in the balance while the Government decides on its approach to changing the earthquake--prone building system.

Property Council New Zealand chief executive Connal Townsend said this week’s Wellington earthquakes proffered the need for an urgent response -- particularly in relation to how to deal with the, in many instances sizeable, costs of strengthening.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s building seismic performance consultation document closed on 8 March 2013 and seeks to set out a consistent national approach to earthquake--prone buildings.

Proposals would require non--residential buildings to be assessed within five years and strengthened as necessary within 10 years.

“Many local authorities have put policy changes and assessments for earthquake--prone buildings on hold and building owners are waiting for a Government decision.

“But even if the national threshold remains one--third of the requirement for new buildings, or 33% of NBS, there are numerous cases of banks and insurers requiring a much higher standard.

“The cost of earthquake strengthening remains the elephant in the room.

The Government did not respond to this through the Budget 2013, so we expect it to recognise this issue and suggest a way forward in its impending decision on legislative changes.” Mr Townsend said cost was not only a major factor for building owners, but for local authorities.

“Reports that Hastings District Council could take up to 20 years to assess 911 buildings deemed potentially earthquake--prone are just one example of the challenge local authorities will face in even funding the assessment work.

“This makes a mockery of any attempts to make buildings across New Zealand safer for the public.

The cost needs to be addressed or our buildings will remain earthquake--prone and potentially dangerous.

“Building owners, businesses and tenants, local authorities and the public need assurance and certainty that creating safer public buildings can be achieved in a timely and cost--effective way.”

ENDS.

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