The whole Waikato District has been 'designated' under the Building Act 2004 to help manage ongoing risks to people from buildings affected by flooding and land instability as a result of the January 2023 storm event and Cyclone Gabrielle.
About this designation
The designation allows us to take specific actions under the Building Act to manage buildings in an emergency.
The designation took effect on 15 February 2023.
The designation is reviewed every 90 days by Waikato District Council to confirm that the powers conferred by the designation are required to manage the response and recovery.
The designation will remain in place until 15 January 2027, unless terminated earlier.
Further information about the designation areas for building emergency management is available at Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s website here.
Designated area
The original designated area extended across the entire Waikato District
Powers under a designation
The Building Act provides us a number of powers that may be exercised in respect to all buildings within the designated area, including the ability to:
- enter buildings
- complete post-event assessments
- direct the evacuation of buildings
- put in place measures for protecting buildings and keeping people at a safe distance
- place notices and signs on buildings
- direct the owners of buildings or land to provide information
- direct works (urgent and non-urgent) to remove or reduce risks
- direct works for long-term use or occupation of a building.
Assessment placards
See here for information about the different placards (stickers) and what they mean.
Non-compliance and penalties
The Building Act sets out a number of offences and penalties for non-compliance in this matter.
Penalties include fines of between $5000 and $200,000.