Grant Robertson
MP for Wellington Central
MEDIA STATEMENT
31 March 2017
Damning report still leaves unanswered questions
The report on the partial collapse of Statistics New Zealand House in last November’s earthquake highlights changes that
are needed to our building and design standards, but also leaves important questions unanswered, says Labour MP for
Wellington Central Grant Robertson.
“There’s no doubt if the earthquake had been just after midday rather than just after midnight, people would have died
in Statistics House. It doesn’t get much more serious than that.
“The report highlights a combination of factors that led to the quake. Some of these related to design standards that
applied at the time of the building and the particular type of earthquake. We support the recommendations that there
needs to be a review of design standards, updating of building laws and, investigation of buildings of a similar design
and age.
“The report also shows that in 2013 the owners of the building, Centreport, received a report that recommended as a
‘critical element’ strengthening floor units at the four corners of the building. This work had been completed on one
floor by the time of November’s quake and that floor did not sustain damage. The work had not been done on the floors
where the serious collapse occurred.
“Why had that work, identified as ‘critical’, not been done in the three years before November’s quake? Why were staff
still working in the building when ‘critical’ work had not been fully completed? This could have had catastrophic
consequences if people had been at work during that time.
“Wellingtonians also deserve to know what consideration has been given to the so-called “basin-edge” effect that causes
amplification of ground shaking in this part of the city. We need reassurance that buildings constructed in this space
have been designed with the specific geology in mind.
“Most Wellington buildings performed well in the earthquake, and we should be grateful for that. But this report
highlights that there’s still work to do to ensure the safety of workers and residents of our city is protected,” says
Grant Robertson.