Building and Construction Minister Nick Smith has ordered earthquake-prone facades and parapets on buildings in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Blenheim to be secured within a year.
Building owners have 12 months to carry out the work, with the government and councils paying half the cost.
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says he welcomes the decision, and it will go a long way to keeping people safe in future earthquakes.
"The Government will be using emergency powers to require securing of parapets and facades that may pose a risk in an earthquake. Owners will have 12 months to complete this work," he says
"We have worked with the Government to make a $3 million fund available for building owners to draw from to go towards the cost of the work. I will be asking Council to reprioritise a $1 million contribution towards this."
As a result of the Kaikoura earthquake, seismic risk has significantly increased in those centres and local and central government are concerned about people being hurt by falling masonry.
"Unreinforced masonry is a real threat to people's lives during a strong earthquake. It has been responsible for many earthquake-related deaths in New Zealand and overseas. As we are in the middle of an active earthquake sequence, it's important we get this work done as soon as possible," Mr Lester says.
"This will help keep people safe and it could save lives."
Wellington Council is developing a full list of the streets and buildings these rules will apply to and which will be eligible to draw on the fund.
Mayor Lester says he has asked for this to be completed as soon as possible as part of a significant programme of work to further increase Wellington's resilience.
Infrastructure and Sustainability Portfolio Leader Councillor Iona Pannett said securing this masonry would help preserve iconic elements of Wellington's buildings.
"This is about making sure Wellington's building owners can get on with the job quickly and preserve the character and safety of our city. I urge all building owners affected to take advantage of the extra funding, comply with the law, and get the job done," she says.
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