Papatoetoe designation area

​The designation enabled us to proceed with post-emergency building assessment work in a practical time period.

It allowed us and the police to manage any security and enforcement needs.

The designation was in place until all buildings within the area were deemed safe.

It began at 6pm on Monday 21 June 2021 and was withdrawn in December 2022.

Powers under a designation

The Building Act provides us a number of powers that may be exercised in respect to all buildings within the designated area, including the ability to:

• enter buildings
• complete post-event assessments
• direct the evacuation of buildings
• put in place measures for protecting buildings and keeping people at a safe distance
• place notices and signs on buildings
• direct the owners of building or land to provide information
• direct works (urgent and non-urgent) to remove or reduce risks
• direct works for long-term use or occupation of a building.

Non-compliance and penalties

The Building Act sets out a number of offences and penalties for non-compliance in this matter.

Penalties we can decide upon include fines of between $5000 and $200,000.

Designated areas under the Building Act 2004

A designated area is set up under section 133BC of the Building Act 2004.

The area is approved by the Minister for Emergency Management and allows a local authority to take specific actions to manage buildings in an emergency.

This is the first time these powers under the Building Act have been used and a designated area established. The designation powers came into force in December 2019, following the Building Amendment Act 2019.