481 (2026). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Associate Minister of Justice

481 (2026). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Associate Minister of Justice: Will proposed changes to earthquake prone building rules have an impact on the probable cost of remediating the old Greymouth courthouse - if so what are the new probable costs?

Hon Nicole McKee: I am advised remediation of the Greymouth courthouse would require both extensive seismic strengthening and significant related works to address the building’s condition and life-safety risks. Probable costs have not been estimated, however the Ministry’s preliminary assessments indicate that any seismic remediation works would remain complex, costly, and disproportionate, particularly given the building is not required for operational use and has heritage constraints. On this basis, remediation remains uneconomic, regardless of any changes to the regulatory settings.