Timeframes to remediate earthquake-prone buildings set to be extended

A bill has been introduced to Parliament to extend timeframes to strengthen earthquake-prone buildings at a time when:

• A large number of buildings around New Zealand face upcoming deadlines, many of which are heritage buildings and/or public buildings such as hospitals; and
• MBIE is undertaking a broader review of seismic risk management in existing buildings with a view to making further legislative amendments in the future.

The Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Bill proposes to introduce the following features:

• Adding four years to deadlines that had not expired by 2 April 2024 (applying retrospectively from 2 April 2024);
• Providing a limited power for the Minister for Building and Construction to extend deadlines by up to a further two years;
• No changes to the timeframes for newly assessed earthquake-prone buildings; and
• Other incidental amendments to the Act.

This Bill has a straightforward intention to provide some breathing room for building owners and territorial authorities, not only due to a cluster of upcoming deadlines but also to hit 'pause' while MBIE carries out a broader review of seismic risk management in New Zealand. We will keep you updated as we find out more regarding these changes.