Report into Stadium Southland collapse released

Stadium Southland collapsed because of heavy snowfall, construction defects and design problems. Photo / File

Heavy snowfall, construction defects and design problems contributed to the collapse of the Stadium Southland roof on September 18, 2010, a report has found.

Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson released the report into the collapse today.

The detailed technical investigation, written by consultants Hyland and StructureSmith, explained that the roof collapsed because of a combination of factors including heavy snowfall, construction defects and design problems.

"These are serious issues that have been properly investigated," Mr Williamson said.

"The Department of Building and Housing has accepted the findings and recommendations of the report, which will be communicated to building owners and councils."

Mr Williamson said New Zealand's building standards were among the best in the world and are continually refined and updated to reflect international best practice.

The department has referred the investigation report to the police and the Department of Labour, and provided a copy to IPENZ - the body responsible for monitoring the competence of engineers.

The roof of the $10m stadium collapsed in a snowstorm, sparking a controversy over the quality of its initial design and remedial work done to fix problems.

Insurers for the Southland Indoor Leisure Centre Charitable Trust are suing Invercargill City Council $27 million over the collapse of the roof.