Taxpayers’ Union welcomes common-sense earthquake-prone building reform

The Taxpayers’ Union is applauding today’s decision from Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk to overhaul the earthquake-prone building system, cutting red tape and saving New Zealanders more than $8.2 billion.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:

“This is a win for common sense. The old rules lumped massive costs on many building owners for little real safety gain. By targeting only buildings that pose a genuine risk to life, the Government is protecting people without bankrupting communities."

"The changes mean that venues like the historic Leys Institute in Ponsonby no longer sit empty and at the mercy of vandals, and can instead be returned to their proper place at the centre of communities - without the projected $9.5 million cost to ratepayers."

“Minister Penk deserves credit for pulling back a system that was punishing ordinary Kiwis. This is what smarter, risk-based regulation looks like.”