Despite strengthening work and demolitions across the region, the number of earthquake-prone buildings in Wairarapa has increased since the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment [MBIE] made its register public last year.
There were currently 86 buildings in the region on the earthquake-prone building register, with only nine buildings having completed strengthening work.
The number of buildings on the register had increased by 11 since MBIE made it public in April last year.
A total of 31 initial notices were given by Carterton District Council [CDC] between July 11 and 29, 2016, with one notice issued in March 2018.
Carterton buildings had a remediation due date ranging from June to July 2021. However, 25 buildings were yet to complete strengthening works, while only five buildings had been strengthened.
A further two Carterton buildings were removed from the register for reasons that were unspecified.
Carterton Mayor Greg Lang said some businesses had relocated. Carterton Pharmacy had moved to a new complex, “and we’re looking forward to welcoming back Cafe Ole in their new location”.
A CDC spokesperson said the council was working with building owners to help them meet their obligations under the Building Code and the council’s regulatory requirements.
The spokesperson said there were no council-owned buildings on the register. They said the council wanted to work with businesses and building owners to deliver the best outcomes for everyone in the town.
“The safety of our community and visitors is the primary issue, so it is important businesses and building owners continue with measures such as keeping their warning stickers visible.”
Carterton Mayor Greg Lang said the covid-19 pandemic had been tough for business owners across the nation, and he was proud of how resilient the community had been.
Lang said CDC was in constant contact with High St business operators, building owners, investors, and developers.
He said he had seen many new businesses open and watched others relocate to new spaces.
“We have a strong vision, one which shows who we are, where we have come from, and what we aspire to be, and this is resonating with people.”
Carterton buildings overdue for earthquake strengthening
- Peter O’Leary Motors
[50 Memorial Square] - Buckhorn Bar and Grill
[20 Memorial Square] - 284 Dalefield Rd
- 35 High St North
- 11 Belvedere Rd
- 258 High St South
- 83 High St North
- 3 Belvedere Rd
- 181 Belvedere Rd
- 3258 State Highway 2
- 139 High St North
- 48 High St North
- 58 High St North
- 53 High St North
- 55 High St North
- 47 High St North
- 26 High St South
- 24 High St South
- 147 High St South
- 11 Carters Line
- 52 High St North
- 15 High St North
- 31 High St North
- 1 High St North
- St Mary’s Catholic Church
[2 King St]
Next week: Masterton’s buildings on shaky ground.
