New earthquake-prone building system welcomed by councils

LGNZ has welcomed the Government’s proposed revamp of the earthquake-prone building system, saying it will reduce the financial burden placed on building owners and promote vibrant CBDs.

The Government has today announced a new earthquake-prone building (EPB) system that will refocus requirements to only those buildings posing a genuine risk to life in medium-to-high seismic zones.

LGNZ has previously advocated for changes to the current approach as part of a 2023 remit led by Manawatū District Council, which identified the challenges and negative impacts on communities from the EPB approach and timeframes.

Manawatū District Council’s Deputy Mayor and Mayor-elect Michael Ford says he is pleased the Government has recognised the excessive overwhelming financial burden on property owners of earthquake-prone buildings, and the effect this can have on the vibrancy of towns and cities.

“We’re grateful to Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk for having listened and taken comprehensive advice on board, which has led to these changes,” says Michael Ford.

“This new proposed legislation significantly reduces the risk of town and city centres being destroyed by legislation and policy rather than by an actual earthquake.

“These changes will impact councils in different ways, depending on their population size. Councils like Palmerston North and Wellington — which own a lot of buildings deemed as earthquake-prone — will be significantly affected by these changes, as will low-risk regions excluded from the new EPB system entirely.

“In Feilding, we have buildings with little-to-no value — except for the land — including Edwardian architecture that’d cost millions to strengthen under current rules. On top of that, there’s the cost of renovating and change of use, which has made it unviable for many building owners to even contemplate strengthening.

“These new rules will make it easier and more affordable for councils and property owners to comply with managing seismic risk in their buildings. It’s also promising to see the Minister will be considering changes to the heritage rules.”

LGNZ Interim Chief Executive Scott Necklen believes the new rules could also improve the vibrancy of towns and cities across New Zealand.

“This is a good outcome for property owners after years of worry about how they can afford to repair their buildings under the current rules,” says Scott Necklen.

“Many owners have been sitting on their hands because the cost of strengthening has been unaffordable. This has resulted in a number of decayed and derelict buildings in central city areas — a concern raised last year in a remit to LGNZ’s AGM from Gisborne District Council.

“We hope these changes will significantly reduce the number of abandoned and poorly maintained buildings over time. It'd be great to see property owners able to address their facades and to tidy up buildings.”

"We also know councils play a key placemaking role in ensuring our CBDs are safe and vibrant, and these new settings will better support them in this important work."