Ōtaki earthquake prone building update

Published 29 Aug 2016

Council can confirm the Ōtaki Theatre building has been assessed as not earthquake prone.

An initial seismic assessment by independent structural engineers identified the building, on Main Street in Ōtaki, as potentially earthquake prone. However, a more detailed assessment carried out recently determined this is not the case.

Signage, which was put up in the building warning of its potential earthquake status, has been removed and regular users of the building have been informed.

However, an initial assessment of Memorial Hall in Ōtaki has been carried out and shown the building is potentially earthquake prone.

Council has engaged Spencer Holmes, consulting engineers, to undertake a detailed seismic assessment of the hall over the next two months.

‘Potentially earthquake-prone building’ signs have been placed on the hall to let people know of this status. Regular users have been informed, as will anyone ringing Council’s customer services to book the building.

Being assessed as earthquake prone does not prevent people using the building or necessarily mean it shouldn’t be occupied or is unsafe. However, people have a right to know the findings of the building’s initial assessment.