Seismic Review Steering Group Chair and members appointed
Posted: 22 November 2024
Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk has announced the appointment of Dr Erica Seville as Chair of the Seismic Review Steering Group as well as 10 nominated representatives from both public and private organisations.
Dr Seville's role as Chair to the steering group will be independent of Government. This is to allow Dr Seville to bring a neutral perspective and approach to the role.
Dr Seville’s depth of experience and academic background will be invaluable, including her experience in researching the impact of the Canterbury Earthquakes on the business community and the process of recovery.
Independent chair and steering group appointed to the seismic risk management review – mbie.govt.nz
The role of the Seismic Review Steering Group
In April 2024, the Government announced it would undertake review of the earthquake-prone building (EPB) system and the way Aotearoa New Zealand manages seismic risk in existing buildings.
The steering group will provide oversight of the seismic risk management review to ensure it is effectively delivered, is impartial and balanced, and that it accurately and adequately reflects public, sector and building owners’ voices, while drawing on expert and sector knowledge.
The group will monitor the progress of the review and provide advice and direction to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as the review progresses.
Seismic Review Steering Group members — mbie.govt.nz
Details of the seismic risk management review
The review is being delivered by MBIE and will consider how well the current EPB system for managing seismic risk in existing buildings is working, identify problems, assess a range of options, and provide recommended actions.
The review will deliver findings and high-level recommendations on how to improve the management of seismic risk in existing buildings. This will allow MBIE to then develop and consult on policy proposals in the next phase of this important work. The Government will then consider the recommendations and respond with any proposed reforms.
The public are invited to give feedback on how effective the current EPB system is for managing seismic risk in Aotearoa New Zealand through MBIE's seismic risk management review webpage. This feedback will be considered as part of the seismic risk management review.
Earthquake-prone building and seismic risk management review — mbie.govt.nz
What the EPB system does
The earthquake-prone building system is designed to manage seismic risk to buildings over time to help protect people from the life safety risk of a moderate earthquake.
The system has 4 main stages consisting of:
- Identifying earthquake-prone buildings.
- Assessing potentially earthquake-prone building.
- Deciding whether buildings are earthquake prone.
- Issuing EPB notices to owners of buildings determined as earthquake-prone, which includes deadlines for remediation or demolition of the building.