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Tag: RNZ News
“Earthquake-prone buildings changes to help provinces” RNZ News online
"... 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
“Ōamaru courthouse to reopen after years of facing closure” RNZ Online News
"Ōamaru courthouse to reopen after years of facing closure" RNZ News Online.
"The 135-year-old courthouse was closed in December 2011 after being deemed earthquake-prone.
The future of the courthouse looked dire when a government engineering report found strengthening could cost upwards of $4 million. ...
" ... Initially the figure of $4m-6m was going to make it very difficult to retain the court. Under those numbers, it was probably going to be a case of 'Well, we'll just shut it down.' "
But instead of feeling defeated, Mr (Bill) Dean did his own research - employing an engineer to assess the courthouse then asking for a price on the proposed repairs.
The cost was closer to $350,000 - and the assessment found the building was unlikely to collapse in an earthquake and did not need to be closed in the first place.
But Mr Dean said it took several years for the paperwork to be accepted and remedial work to be completed. ...