From Scoop
Govt reviewing rules for managing earthquake risks and safety

November 21, 2024 - News from NZ Government
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, says the Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk.

“The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, while also recognising life safety risks posed by earthquakes. However, the experience of many building owners under current earthquake building settings has been the worst of both worlds: earthquake-prone buildings are not being remediated and strengthened, nor demolished and replaced, with large costs associated with inaction.

“For this reason, the Government is progressing an extensive review of the earthquake building settings and has appointed an independent chair and advisory group to provide expert advice.

“I am very pleased to announce that Dr Erica Seville has been appointed as the independent chair and earlier this month she chaired her first meeting with the advisory panel.

“While the review progresses, the Government has passed legislation to extend the remediation deadline for earthquake prone buildings by four years.

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