Have your say on draft earthquake-prone building guidance

The draft earthquake-prone building legislation and methodology guidance will provide practical instructions for territorial authorities, engineers and building owners on the new system, including how to apply the guidance and transition existing EPBs into and out of the new system.

MBIE General Manager Building System Performance David Hall says the draft guidance is an important part of putting the new system into practice from 1 July 2027.

“The new EPB system remains focused on life safety, while taking a targeted approach to the buildings and locations that pose the greatest risk to people in an earthquake.

“This guidance provides the practical detail needed to implement the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act 2026. It explains which buildings will remain EPBs, and what work is required for their EPB status to be removed.

"This guidance replaces the practical function of the 2017 EPB methodology. Feedback received will help us develop secondary legislation for formal consultation in early 2027.

“We want to hear from the people who will use the guidance to make sure it is clear and can be readily applied in practice,” David Hall says.

Under the new system, only unreinforced masonry buildings and buildings three storeys or taller that are made of heavy materials can be designated as EPBs. The system will apply in medium and high seismic zones only.

“We encourage building owners, territorial authorities, engineers and other interested people to take a look at the proposed methodology and share their feedback,” Mr Hall says.

Consultation on the draft guidance will run from 27 October until 4 December 2026.

The draft guidance document is now available. MBIE will also be holding webinars for territorial authorities, engineers and building owners.

Consultation on the earthquake-prone building legislation and methodology guidance and technical annexes

MBIE will continue to support territorial authorities and engineers to prepare for the new system. This includes developing separate policy guidance to help territorial authorities administer the system, producing a Standardised Securing Handbook, and providing education.