Residential Earthquake-Prone Building Financial Assistance Scheme

The Minister for Building and Construction, Hon. Chris Penk, has recently announced that a Review of the Earthquake Prone Buildings system will be brought forward to commence in mid-2024. As a result of the Review being brought forward, Cabinet has agreed to extend existing remediation deadlines by four years, by which time the outcome of the Review will be known.

Because of this, the government has decided to close the Earthquake Prone Buildings Financial Assistance Scheme, with immediate effect. The Financial Assistance Scheme that we administer on behalf of MBIE, has ended, and we have been notified to not process any applications. This effects all applicants we have been supporting through the Earthquake Prone Buildings Financial Assistance Scheme process.

We will be making contact with applicants to ensure they are aware of this.

The Minister has said that the government will also amend the Building Act 2004 to extend earthquake remediation deadlines by four years.

For information on the government announcement, please refer to the government announcement(external link).

Any queries regarding the Review, deadline extension and support services should be directed to MBIE (building@mbie.govt.nz).