Builders across New Zealand now have access to two new online seismic resilience modules, aimed at improving the country’s housing stock against earthquake risks.
The modules, developed jointly by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC), Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the building sector, offer guidance on retrofitting existing homes and meeting seismic standards for new builds.
NHC public education manager Hamish Armstrong said that previous earthquakes in New Zealand have shown how vulnerable homes can be. “Those past events have taught us a lot of lessons, including steps we can take to make our homes safer and stronger,” he said. Builders, he added, “play a crucial role in ensuring our homes, old and new, can best weather the challenges of future earthquake events.”
The initiative aligns with the Building Act 2004 and the New Zealand Building Code, which set performance standards for safety, durability and structural stability in new construction and alterations. The new modules draw on BRANZ’s latest research and data from major events, including the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes, to provide practical, evidence-based advice.
According to BRANZ structures team leader David Carradine, renovation work presents an ideal opportunity to integrate resilience upgrades. The modules guide builders on reinforcing foundations, securing structural connections, and addressing issues such as heavy roofing materials, unreinforced brickwork, and inadequate wall bracing — all of which can increase vulnerability during shaking.
The material also supports the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s framework for compliance under the Building Code, particularly through acceptable solutions and verification methods for seismic performance. Builders are encouraged to consult engineers early in the process to ensure compliance with the Building Code’s structural provisions, which require buildings to withstand moderate earthquakes without collapse.
For homeowners, retrofitting during renovation can be cost-effective and may expose hidden weaknesses such as compromised foundations or load-bearing walls removed during earlier, unconsented work. Combining earthquake resilience upgrades with other building improvements can save time and resources.
Each of the modules counts as one elective activity point toward Licensed Building Practitioners’ (LBP) skills maintenance requirements. They can be accessed on mobile devices and revisited as needed through the Building Performance learning portal: Seismic resilience when retrofitting homes and Seismic resilience in new homes.
Given New Zealand’s position along the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates - where around 150 earthquakes each year are strong enough to be felt - initiatives such as these aim to reduce the long-term risks for residential properties and improve public understanding of structural safety.
Are builders and homeowners in your region taking steps to improve seismic resilience in their properties? Share your thoughts in the comments.
