Changes are coming to the Earthquake-Prone Building (EPB) system. The Government recently announced that we can expect to see new legislation in the coming months, and it’s set to reshape how seismic risk is managed across the country. For this article, we talked to our Structural Engineering team about what to expect, and they’ve outlined a clear, and practical breakdown of this significant change so that you can be prepared, when reforms come into play.
Why Is the EPB System Changing?
The current EPB system, developed over decades in response to seismic events and evolving policy, has helped address risks, but along the way has also captured many low-risk buildings. This broad scope has led to enforcement challenges, high remediation costs, and confusion for building owners—especially those facing heritage restrictions, or technical rating complexities.
A recent government review highlighted the need to streamline the system, focusing resources on the most vulnerable buildings and aligning with international best practice (as well as answering the ongoing feedback from engineers, property owners and managers).
The intent is clear: target the “worst of the worst” and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden. Through narrowing the scope in this way, the reforms allow a concentration of resources on those buildings that have genuine seismic vulnerabilities.
Key Changes Proposed
1. A Narrowed Scope
The overhaul will focus on unreinforced masonry (URM) and concrete buildings over three storeys in medium and high seismic risk areas. Auckland, Northland, and the Chatham Islands—currently home to over 1,300 EPB buildings—will be removed from the EPB scope, reflecting their low seismic risk. For owners, this means fewer buildings will be subject to mandatory seismic upgrades, reducing compliance costs. For engineers, the focus on unreinforced masonry and taller concrete buildings enables more precise assessment and remediation strategies.
2. Updated Assessment Criteria
The familiar %NBS (New Building Standard) score will no longer be used for EPBs. Instead, assessments will be based on specific structural features and high-risk deficiencies, simplifying the process and reducing confusion.
3. Extended Deadlines
Building owners may apply for up to 15-year extensions to remediation deadlines, providing much-needed flexibility and relief. Owners should consider using the extended deadlines to plan remediation works strategically, engaging with structural engineers early to ensure compliance and minimise disruption.
4. Reduced Regulatory Burden
Secondary compliance requirements, such as fire safety and accessibility, will be eased for EPBs. The “priority building” status will be removed for structures not likely to pose immediate risks to people or emergency access. The removal of concurrent fire safety and accessibility upgrade requirements streamlines the remediation process, making it more feasible for owners to undertake seismic strengthening without facing additional regulatory hurdles.
5. Seismic Zone Changes
Coastal Otago will move from a low to medium seismic zone, while other regions will see their risk status updated to reflect current hazard assessments. We recommend owners and managers in Coastal Otago should review their building portfolios in light of the new medium seismic hazard classification, as this may affect future compliance obligations, and insurance requirements.
What Does This Mean for Building Owners?
Only buildings with significant vulnerabilities will be classified as EPBs, reducing the number of mandatory remediation cases. Owners of buildings currently listed as an EPB, but falling outside the new scope, will still be responsible for addressing any identified vulnerabilities, but mandatory mitigation will no longer be required.
Seismic assessments for EPBs will shift to a characteristics-based method, aligning New Zealand’s approach with international standards and reducing costs for owners.
While many buildings will be removed from the EPB register, owners should still address any identified vulnerabilities to maintain safety and meet market expectations for tenants, insurers, and lenders. Voluntary seismic assessments remain important for property value and compliance.
Implementation Timeline
- Late 2025: Introduction of the Bill to amend earthquake-prone buildings provisions.
- First half of 2026: Select Committee hearings and feedback opportunities.
- Mid-2027: Implementation of new EPB legislation.
Our recommendation to building owners and managers is to engage with your engineers early, review current assessments and get your plans underway for any changes in compliance requirements.
What Remains Unchanged?
For buildings not classified as earthquake-prone, the %NBS system will remain in place, driven by market requirements such as tenant, insurance, and bank lending standards. Voluntary seismic assessments will continue to play a crucial role in the property market.
Industry Insights
Internationally, seismic mitigation focuses on targeted retrofit solutions for specific building types, rather than blanket rating systems. The proposed changes aim to bring New Zealand in line with these best practices, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed and reducing unnecessary costs for owners.
A major shift
The proposed overhaul of the EPB system represents a major shift in New Zealand’s approach to seismic risk management. By narrowing the scope, updating assessment criteria, and reducing regulatory burden, the government aims to create a fairer, more effective system that protects communities while supporting building owners and industry practitioners.
Need Expert Advice on Earthquake-Prone Buildings or Seismic Assessments?
We’re committed to supporting building owners and managers through these changes, providing expert guidance to ensure buildings remain safe, compliant, and resilient. For tailored advice on how these changes may affect your property or portfolio, please give one of our team a call.
Daniel Kennett
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Email: daniel.kennett@maynardmarks.co.nz
Mobile: +64 27 204 8694
Daniel Lehn
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Email: daniel.lehn@maynardmarks.co.nz
Mobile: +64 21 040 6168
Daniel Gray
View Daniel Gray’s profile
Email: daniel.gray@maynardmarks.co.nz
Mobile: +64 27 243 4661
