New Zealand proposes earthquake-prone building list reforms

Building and Construction Minister Simon Watts has announced proposed legislative changes to New Zealand’s earthquake-prone buildings list. The reform aims to shift the system’s focus toward life-safety risks while reducing the financial burden on communities. Approximately half of all buildings currently designated as earthquake-prone are expected to be removed from the list.

In Cambridge and Te Awamutu, the changes are projected to save building owners an estimated $52 million. Specifically, Te Awamutu would see 11 buildings removed, leaving seven on the list, while Cambridge would have one building removed, leaving 40. In Te Kūiti, two buildings in a medium-risk seismic zone would be removed, saving an estimated $6 million.

Nationally, the government estimates the reform will save communities $8.2 billion in remediation costs. Minister Watts stated that current requirements have often been disproportionate to actual risk, threatening to leave buildings derelict due to unrealistic costs. The new approach intends to make remediation requirements more targeted and proportionate, particularly for smaller towns.