Relief likely in quake-prone building crisis

As Wellington struggles to deal with hundreds of earthquake prone buildings, the new building and construction minister has signalled looming deadlines could be extended.

The city has 572 buildings that need strengthening, with the deadlines of many of those set to expire in the next four years.

Chris Penk, appointed the role this week, said he was aware of recent commentary around the earthquake-prone building system and would consider moving a scheduled 2027 review forward or pushing out deadlines, if appropriate.

“I recognise building owners and councils are struggling to meet compliance deadlines in areas that are designated ‘high risk’ under the system, and that heritage buildings face additional challenges.”

Wellington is in a highrisk zone, meaning its deadlines are half the length of time of those in lower risk areas. City councillors have been warning of a looming crisis as many building owners are not able to afford the cost of remediation, and some are questioning if the system is too stringent.

Penk said he was working with officials “to gain further understanding of the situation and will consider all options that are presented, including an extension to the current deadlines”.

Any proposed changes would need to be carefully considered to make sure they were done “in a way that is proportionate, consistent and gave people certainty”.

“If these are taken forward, they will be well planned, subject to Cabinet approval and brought in over time in a considered manner, in consultation with the public.”

Nelson mayor Nick Smith was the

National government minister behind the 2016 legislation – the Building (Earthquake Prone Building) Amendment Act – but recently admitted the system could be “tweaked“.

Wellington City councillor Iona Pannett has been one of the most vocal advocates for building owners, apartment dwellers and the city struggling to meet their EPB obligations. Penk’s openness to considering the issue was “the most sensible thing a building minister has done in over 10 years”, she said. “Congratulations that we’ve got someone in Government who can take a rational approach to this.” Pannett said there needed to be an urgent bill through Parliament to allow for an extension and then she suggested bringing together experts and stakeholders to review the system to work as intended.

“It needs to be done in systematic and logical way. Bring that review forward with a technical advisory group of engineers, architects, builders, planners, or whoever they need to look at a cost-effective and safe regime for this country, given its earthquake risk. If the minister can facilitate those discussions, it would be a wonderful thing for our

“I recognise building owners and councils are struggling to meet compliance deadlines. Chris Penk Building and Construction Minister

country.”

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau welcomed the minister’s interest in this issue and supported possible deadline extensions and a review. “As I’m sure many Wellingtonians facing huge earthquake strengthening costs will.”

Council chief planning officer Liam Hodgetts said staff were preparing a briefing for councillors next week.

“This is a problem cities across New Zealand share and the council would welcome the opportunity to work with the new minister on ensuring the system achieves its desired outcomes by addressing the actual barriers to getting buildings strengthened.”