New Zealand is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. We reside in the central region that is the most vulnerable.
Nelson’s greatest risk is the Alpine Fault which scientists give a 75% chance of a magnitude 8 earthquake within the next 50 years. The other risk is a closer quake on the Waimea, Flaxmore or Bishopdale faults.
We have a big job to do in strengthening our most risky older buildings. Council is also updating our planning rules this year through Plan Change 29 to better manage these risks in future developments.
Following the Royal Commission Report into the Christchurch Earthquake, I rewrote our laws as Building Minister in 2016 requiring earthquake-prone buildings be strengthened with varying timeframes. Most in Nelson must be strengthened within 25 years, but important public buildings like hospitals and schools need to be upgraded in half that time by 2028.
Nelson is making good progress. The $2.5 million strengthening of the Elma Turner Library was completed by Council last year. Health NZ has started the seismic strengthening works on the George Manson and Percy Brunette tower blocks at Nelson Hospital with completion on track for this year. The Nelson Courthouse has been temporarily closed until July to enable it to be strengthened. Cawthron Institute, of which I am a Trustee, has just committed to a $500k upgrade this year of its large Rigg Building in Halifax St.
We have many buildings ahead of us to sort. Council owned buildings with problems include Civic House, Stoke Hall, the Old Refinery building on Halifax St and the Anchor, Reliance and old Nelson Electricity buildings on the waterfront.
Nelson Yacht Club has a challenge to raise $200k-plus to strengthen its Wakefield Quay building. The biggest challenge for our city will be strengthening Nelson Cathedral. I pray we learn from Christchurch’s mess - it’s much easier to strengthen before an earthquake than to fix after.
This work is costly and disruptive, but it will save hundreds of lives when the inevitable big earthquake strikes Nelson. We are making our city safer and more resilient for the future.
