Fire safety issues over new $200m office tower

The Deloitte Centre was opened by John Key this month. Photo / Paul Estcourt

A Government authority has raised issues over fire safety designs on New Zealand's most expensive new office block.

John Gardiner, Department of Building and Housing determinations manager, released a report on the Deloitte Centre which was developed, built and is owned by Brookfield Multiplex Construction (NZ).

The $200 million office tower at 80 Queen St was opened by Prime Minister John Key this month after BNZ and Deloitte staff moved in.

But the Auckland City Council did not approve all aspects of the building's design after changes were made. Gardiner said he backed this decision, based on an amended set of plans.

He said the nub of the problem was the fire rating of basement elements under the tower.

"The department's decision takes into account the available evidence, including expert opinion and precedents."

He said the decision means the fire rating - a measure of ability to withstand fire - of the columns and beams in the basement needs to be at the standard set in the original consent.

"Work to address the issue may have been subsequently undertaken on the building. I do not believe that the building proposed is necessarily unsafe," Gardiner said.