Parliament Approves Extension of Earthquake-Prone Building Deadlines: A Collaborative Legislative Effort

In a significant legislative move, New Zealand's Parliament has passed the Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Bill during its third reading on 19 November. This bill seeks to extend deadlines for earthquake-prone buildings to be brought up to safety standards while initiating a review of regulatory frameworks. The passage reflects a collaborative effort across political parties, emphasizing the importance of balancing seismic risk management with economic realities.

Safety and Risk Management at Forefront

Dr. Duncan Webb from Labour—Christchurch Central underscored the critical nature of building safety during the debate. He highlighted that while risks are small, they are far from negligible, especially given New Zealand's history with significant earthquakes. Dr. Webb urged building owners to view extended deadlines as an opportunity for proactive measures rather than complacency.

Economic Considerations and Practical Challenges

Tom Rutherford from National—Bay of Plenty addressed the potential economic impact of a large number of buildings failing to meet safety standards simultaneously. He pointed out that nearly 500 buildings have their deadlines set to expire within the next four years, which could leave significant numbers empty, affecting local economies. High remediation costs are a significant barrier for building owners, particularly in regional areas.

David MacLeod from National—New Plymouth discussed similar challenges, noting the enforcement burdens on territorial authorities due to non-compliance by building owners. The bill extends the remediation time frames by four years, with a limited power to extend deadlines by a further two years through Order in Council.

Legislative Framework and Cross-Party Collaboration

Phil Twyford from Labour—Te Atatū praised the collaborative approach that characterized the development of this legislation. He acknowledged Labour's previous initiatives for concessionary loans up to $250,000 to support building owners, while expressing support for the current bill as a step towards a more practical regulatory framework.

Regional Impact and Community Concerns

Shanan Halbert from Labour highlighted concerns specific to Wellington, where 808 earthquake-prone buildings were registered on the Earthquake-Prone Buildings Register as of 30 April 2024. Miles Anderson from National—Waitaki brought attention to smaller communities like Waimate and Oamaru, emphasizing the financial challenges faced by building owners in these areas, especially those with limited income-generating capacity.

A Unified Approach to Seismic Safety

The unanimous passage of the bill marks a significant step in New Zealand's efforts to manage seismic risks. The debate showcased cooperation between Labour and National members, with both sides recognizing the importance of working together on this critical issue. By extending deadlines and initiating a review of regulatory frameworks, Parliament has taken a balanced approach that prioritizes safety while considering economic realities.

This legislative move underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the resilience of New Zealand's built environment against future seismic events, highlighting dedication to both public safety and economic stability.