Earthquake-prone building support service pilot

On 18 April 2024, the Government announced its intention to review the earthquake-prone building system and, while this review is underway, extend all current remediation deadlines by four years. 

The Government also decided to discontinue the Earthquake-prone Building Support Service pilot for residential earthquake prone building owners.

The pilot aimed to test the feasibility of providing free support services (case management, legal, mediation and wellbeing) to 10 earthquake-prone building owner groups in Wellington, so that they understand options and collectively agree on a remediation plan to meet their approaching deadline.

The pilot will end on 30 June 2024. Support services such as case management, legal, mediation and well-being support will continue to be provided to participants until 14 June 2024. 

The pilot’s delivery of support to building owners will be evaluated, and these findings will provide insights for the review of the earthquake-prone building system. 

While the scope and terms of reference are still being developed, future assistance for building owners may be considered as part of the review. 

Press release - earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward - beehive.govt.nz

More information about the review and legislation to extend remediation deadlines will be made available over the coming months.

Related information

Earthquake-prone building resources contains links to the relevant legislation, regulations, the methodology to identify earthquake-prone buildings, guidance documents and information sheets.

General information on building safety in earthquakes has information on building owner responsibilities for keeping their building safe in earthquakes.

Post-emergency building assessment has information on managing a building following a major event.

Worksafe's position statement on dealing with earthquake-related hazards - worksafe.govt.nz