Regulations and legislation

An overview of some of the regulations you need to know about when you consider seismic strengthening. Work must meet legislative and planning requirements for seismically strengthening buildings.

This information is general and you’ll need to get your own legal advice for your project.

In this section

  • The Building Act 2004
    The Building Act 2004 sets out the rules for the construction, alteration, maintenance and demolition of new and existing buildings throughout New Zealand.
  • Hurunui/Kaikōura Earthquakes Recovery Act 2016
    ​The Government amended the Building Act in February 2017, after the Hurunui/Kaikōura earthquakes in 2016. 
  • Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014
    This piece of legislation is important for two reasons when you undertake seismic strengthening works on an earthquake-prone heritage building. The Act:
  • Resource Management Act 1991
    The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is New Zealand’s key piece of legislation setting out how we sustainably manage our environment.