Proposed Changes to New Zealand's Earthquake-Prone Building System May Reopen Rotorua's Famous Blue Baths

Strategic Insights -

Rotorua's Mayor, Tania Tapsell, has expressed optimism that the proposed changes to New Zealand's earthquake-prone building system may trigger the possibility of reopening Rotorua's famous Blue Baths. The government's proposed changes, outlined in the Building (Earthquake-Prone Building System Reform) Amendment Bill, aim to scrap the current National Building Standard (NBS) system and instead judge buildings based on their material make-up and proximity to public places and neighboring properties. This shift in policy could potentially benefit the Blue Baths, which were closed in January 2021 due to a seismic rating of 15 percent NBS.

The current regulations, introduced after the Canterbury earthquakes, require buildings below 34 percent of the new building standard (NBS) to be strengthened or demolished. Rotorua has 80 buildings listed on the register, including the Rotorua Museum and Blue Baths, with the museum set to reopen in 2027 following a $73.55m restoration. Mayor Tapsell has requested a meeting with Building and Construction Minister, Chris Penk, to discuss the issue, highlighting the need for clarity on the "requirements we'll need in government policy" to ensure historic buildings like the Blue Baths can open safely and affordably.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed changes to New Zealand's earthquake-prone building system, outlined in the Building (Earthquake-Prone Building System Reform) Amendment Bill, aim to scrap the current National Building Standard (NBS) system and instead judge buildings based on their material make-up and proximity to public places and neighboring properties.
  • The changes would remove 55 percent of buildings from the current national earthquake-prone building register, potentially including Rotorua's famous Blue Baths, which were closed in January 2021 due to a seismic rating of 15 percent NBS.
  • The Rotorua Museum, another listed building, is set to reopen in 2027 following a $73.55m restoration.
  • Mayor Tapsell has requested a meeting with Building and Construction Minister, Chris Penk, to discuss the issue and seek clarity on the requirements needed to ensure historic buildings like the Blue Baths can open safely and affordably.
  • The changes are expected to be passed into law early next year after a Select Committee process.
  • The Rotorua Lakes Council is "closely following" the announcement and is "encouraged by the minister's positive direction" on earthquake-prone buildings.

Statistics:

  • 55 percent of buildings would be removed from the current national earthquake-prone building register under the proposed changes.
  • The Rotorua Museum is set to reopen in 2027 following a $73.55m restoration.
  • 80 buildings in Rotorua are listed on the earthquake-prone building register.
  • The Blue Baths were closed in January 2021 due to a seismic rating of 15 percent NBS.

Sources:

  • "Proposed changes to earthquake-prone building system may reopen Rotorua's famous Blue Baths" by Local Democracy Reporting (LDR), local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
  • Building (Earthquake-Prone Building System Reform) Amendment Bill.