16792 (2026). Arena Williams to the Minister for Building and Construction

16792 (2026). Arena Williams to the Minister for Building and Construction: What is the methodology, if any, being used for Seismic Mitigation for Earthquake Prone buildings?

Hon Chris Penk: The Earthquake Prone Building (EPB) Methodology is, in legal terms, a Rule that is set by MBIE’s Chief Executive under s133AV of the Building Act. As such, it is a disallowable instrument under the Legislation Act 2012. The EPB Methodology explains what types of buildings can be EPBs, the criteria they need to meet to be made EPBs, the process by which that must happen, and the type of remediation they must receive. In doing so, it must be consistent with primary legislation (i.e., the relevant parts of the Building Act). The current iteration of the Methodology was published in 2017 and can be found here: https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/b-stability/b1-structure/methodology-identify-earthquake-prone-buildings To support the updated EPB system, MBIE is developing a new EPB Methodology to be released in July 2027 alongside the amendments to the Building Act. The Methodology will undergo consultation with Territorial Authorities and other interested parties before it is finalised.