Did you know New Zealand has multiple iconic heritage and other buildings sitting empty and unoccupied. The primary reason is their seismic assessment rating and ultimate designation by their local territorial authority as being earthquake prone. However, other older buildings are dilapidated to a stage where cost is the primary reason.

In our role as Building Surveyors, we are asked to confirm or obtain both Initial and Detailed Seismic Assessments (ISA/DSA) to determine whether a property is classed as earthquake prone. A low New Building Standard (NBS) rating on occasions does surprise us!

For our and your interest we have compiled a preliminary snapshot of the growing number of iconic, well-known, and well-liked buildings across New Zealand that remain empty.

Engineering New Zealand and MBIE do now seem to be taking a closer look at the NBS rating system and time frames for compliance, which our Wellington team have noticed more discussion around in recent months when completing Long-Term Maintenance Plans and Technical Due Diligence for larger buildings where seismic ratings are relevant. The Government are underway with a review of the earthquake prone building standards rating system, read more. Cabinet have agreed that the remediation deadlines for earthquake-prone buildings that had not lapsed as at 2 April 2024 will be extended for four years, to allow time for the Review and any subsequent changes to take place.

Do you know of any other iconic heritage buildings that are sitting empty and unoccupied? We would love to hear from you. Email these to: info@covekinoch.co.nz.