Policy Brief (No. 1) - The Resilient Buildings Project (March 2022)

Abstract

New Zealand learned a lot from the Canterbury Earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, however our building codes have not kept up with the changes since.

New Zealand’s seismic thresholds for damage are relatively low, meaning Kiwis are exposed to considerable economic and social disruption after earthquakes. New social science research asked Kiwis what is important to them. The key findings were:

1. Safety is non-negotiable

2. Kiwis want more than life safety. In particular, social and economic recovery are important objectives

3. Speed of recovery is a particular priority for some building types – marae, community centres, and homes – that currently are not a priority

4. Appetite for risk and expectations of buildings seismic performance varies significantly amongst Kiwis.

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