Earthquake-Prone Buildings Reform Passes: What Changes
On 19 September 2026, Parliament unanimously passed the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill. It replaces the percentage-based earthquake-prone building (EPB) system with a risk-based one.
What is changing
- The %NBS rating is removed from the EPB system.
- Only unreinforced masonry buildings and certain multi-storey concrete buildings in medium and high seismic zones can be classed as earthquake-prone.
- About 2,900 buildings (roughly 55%) will no longer be classed as earthquake-prone. The Government estimates this saves $8.2 billion in remediation costs.
- Auckland, Northland, the upper North Island low seismic zone and the Chatham Islands leave the system. Existing designations there are removed the day after Royal Assent.
- Councils keep a limited power to identify serious seismic risks that were missed. They must consult the owner and get MBIE's agreement first.
Timing
- Updated seismic zones take effect immediately after Royal Assent. Parts of coastal Otago and Stewart Island move into a medium zone.
- The remaining changes start on 1 July 2027.
What it means in practice
- Owners: Check whether your building's type and location still put it in scope. Do not assume your current designation will carry over.
- Remediation: Requirements will be tiered by risk. As introduced, the Bill allowed for no work, façade securing, a targeted retrofit, or, in limited cases, full strengthening.
- Engineers: Expect assessments to focus on building type and risk profile rather than a single %NBS figure.
Planning on strengthening or buying an older building? Talk to Fil Engineers before relying on its current status.
Also this week
Changes to the granny flat consent exemption start on 8 October 2026. They allow certified composite structural products (some SIP and solid timber systems) and make it easier to use existing water and drainage services.
