Repairs get under way in Wellington yesterday after Sunday's tremors. Building Act changes could require some properties to be seismically assessed within five years and upgraded within 10. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Ministers preparing to discuss law changes requiring upgrading of at-risk structures.
Wellington's earthquakes have put the spotlight back on seismic issues, just as the Cabinet prepares to decide how far to go with a multibillion-dollar push to have about 193,000 earthquake-prone buildings assessed and possibly upgraded.
On Wednesday next week, the economic growth and infrastructure committee is due to consider Building
Act changes requiring all non-residential and multi-unit, multi-storey residential buildings to be seismically assessed within five years and upgraded within 10 years. New Zealand has about 193,000 buildings in that category.
Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson fronted the national campaign earlier this year to discuss changes after the Canterbury earthquakes royal commission report urged action.
A spokesman from the minister's office said yesterday more than 500 submissions were received and more than 1000 people attended various meetings on proposals for earthquake-prone buildings, defined as below 33 per cent of the standard required of a new building, and those built before 1976. Buildings with unreinforced masonry are also classed as at risk.
