A change to the system for managing earthquake-prone buildings (EPBs) will make it easier for owners of these buildings in small towns to undertake modest building work, without having to start seismic strengthening work at the same time.
(more…)"... The Minister for Building and Construction Jenny Salesa announced the change, in Feilding this morning.
She says the changes will make it easier for owners of such buildings in small towns to undertake modest building work, without having to start seismic strengthening work at the same time. ..."
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/394330/earthquake-prone-buildings-changes-to-help-provinces
Media coverage is as follows:
The Text of Hon Dr Nick Smith's Speech is as follows:
Nick Smith
10 May, 2015
Bruce Chapman (C.E.O N.Z.H.P.T.) has generously made available the text of his "Earthquake-prone Buildings Policy Announcement" Media Statement.
"The timeframes for national historic landmarks and Category 1 historic places provide owners with the opportunity to plan for both assessing their properties, where this hasn't already been done, and to explore options for funding this work. (more…)
"Editorial: Quake policy reasonable" The Timaru Herald.
"Quake policy 'borders on hysteria'" The Nelson Mail reports on reaction to the release of the Earthquake-prone Building Policy.
"Buildings policy change welcomed" the Otago Daily Times reports "Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust chairman Marcus Brown welcomed the Government's changes to the policy of strengthening earthquake-prone buildings announced yesterday, but felt they did not go far enough"
“Under a nationally consistent system, an estimated 15,000 to 25,000 earthquake-prone buildings will be identified through assessments within five years of legislation taking effect. Those building owners will then have another 15 years to carry out strengthening work or have buildings demolished. The timeframe is five years longer than initially proposed."
The Media Release is as follows: (more…)
