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The Government has released an initial action plan from Doug Martin, the Crown Manager for Christchurch City Council’s building consenting functions.

“The Crown Manager’s terms of reference tasked him with providing an action plan within one month. The plan we have now received provides a comprehensive set of actions which will address issues ranging from systems and processes, to staff culture,” says Local Government Minister Chris Tremain.

The Government today announced the appointment of Douglas Martin as the Crown Manager for Christchurch City Council’s building consenting functions.

“Mr Martin is well qualified to undertake the role of Crown Manager.  He is one of New Zealand’s most experienced and respected advisors on improving the performance of public sector agencies in New Zealand,” says Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee. 

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the Christchurch City Council can and, must, under section 212 of the Building Act 2004, continue issuing building consents, despite losing its accreditation.

International Accreditation New Zealand revoked the council’s building consent accreditation today following its inability to bring its processes up to the required standard.

The Government has today been informed by the Christchurch City Council that its professional indemnity and public liability insurer Riskpool has withdrawn cover effective 1 July for claims which may arise under the Building Act 2004.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says Riskpool’s move is no surprise.

“Today’s move means that if the council is negligent in performing its functions under the Building Act leading to defects in building work, any liability owed by the council will need to be met from its own funds.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the Government will seek to have an audit of recent building consents issued by Christchurch City Council to ensure they’re up to the required standards.

It follows concerns raised by International Accreditation New Zealand, which will revoke the council’s building consent accreditation next Monday.

IANZ says it has identified issues with technical processing that means building consents might not meet the requirements of the Building Code.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee, Local Government Minister Chris Tremain, and Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson, have welcomed the decision by Mayor Bob Parker to seek the appointment of a Crown Manager to address consenting issues.

“I am pleased that Christchurch City Council has recognised the gravity of the situation and that a motion will now be put to the council to invite the Government to appoint Crown Manager,” Mr Brownlee says.

Civil Defence Minister Chris Tremain says an interagency Corrective Action Plan released today will improve the strength of Civil Defence in New Zealand.

“An independent review of the response to the Christchurch earthquake on February 22 found overall that emergency services worked well. However a number of recommendations were made on how the process could be improved,” says Mr Tremain.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says today’s announcement of grants by the Canterbury Fund will make a positive difference to Christchurch communities.

A joint partnership between the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust and Vodafone New Zealand Foundation today announced grants totalling $1.15 million to 66 community organisations in Christchurch.

The Government has welcomed news the Australian Government has revised its travel warning for Christchurch and Lyttelton, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain say.

“Getting tourism back on its feet in the region is incredibly important for the rebuild and recovery of the wider Canterbury region,” Mr Brownlee says.

Civil Defence Minister Chris Tremain today launched New Zealand ShakeOut, the biggest earthquake public education campaign ever staged in New Zealand.

“The ShakeOut campaign will last for six months, and will include radio and television advertisements, a social media campaign, and promotional activities around the country. This will culminate in a nationwide earthquake drill on 26 September,” says Mr Tremain.