More buildings under earthquake risk scrutiny

October 6th, 2012
[by David Armstrong]

Concerns by authorities about buildings that are not up to earthquake standards continue to grow through the district, with news that the Takaka TDC Service Centre (photo, right) will need earthquake strengthening.

This follows the surprising closure and condemning of St Andrews Uniting Church building in Motueka recently (see our story here) and many other public buildings throughout New Zealand being scrutinised for earthquake risk.

Tasman District Council have a programme in place to evaluate all the buildings it owns, which of course includes many in Motueka, over the next few years.

Engineering reports say the main part of the Takaka TDC Service Centre 1928 heritage building meets only 15% of the building earthquake standards. Most of the building will be closed and staff relocated by November 1st.

It is not yet known what the fate of the building will be, but Golden Bay councillor Martine Bouillir says a full report is expected to come back to the November Community Services meeting. Also up for consideration in Golden Bay are the Collingwood, Bainham and Pohara Halls and the Takaka Rugby Club and grandstand.

In a newsletter to constituents, Martine suggests this is somewhat over the top. "Consider the likes of the little wooden Bainham Hall being a risk, when safety is just two steps out of any of its many exits at the slightest hint of a shake.

"Council has no choice in these matters and is doing what it needs to do and meeting all of these safety standards is adding huge costs to councils around the country. In some cases of heavy use and high risk I can see that it is prudent but in the cases of little-used country halls, most of which have already survived plenty of shakes, it's akin to kids not being able to climb trees any more."

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