Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission Te Komihana Rūwhenua o Waitaha Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission – Te Komihana Rūwhenua o Waitaha

Those who lost relatives and friends in the 22 February earthquake can be assured that there will be a very thorough inquiry into the failure of buildings that resulted in loss of life.
Chair, Justice Mark Cooper
 

Media Advisory

30 September 2011

Four DBH Technical Investigation Reports Received by Quakes Royal Commission

Today the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission has received from the Department of Building and Housing three consultants’ reports containing the results of the Department’s technical investigation into the PGC, Forsyth Barr and Hotel Grand Chancellor buildings.

The Commission has also received a report about all three buildings from the Department's independent expert panel. All four reports can be accessed via the document library on the Commission’s website.

The Commission’s Terms of Reference require the Commission to receive and take into account the results of the Department’s investigation into the failure of these three buildings and the CTV building. The result of the investigation into the CTV building is not yet available.

While the Commission expects the results of the DBH technical investigation will be of significant assistance to its inquiry, the Commission will also seek its own advice and will form its own views. Eminent structural engineer Mr William T. Holmes from San Francisco will assist by reviewing the DBH investigation reports for the Commission.

As required by the Terms of Reference, the Commission is also conducting its own independent inquiry into the failure of the PGC, Forsyth Barr, Hotel Grand Chancellor and CTV buildings, gathering information about the performance of buildings from various organisations and analysing it.

All the reports will be contestable in the Commission’s hearings process once hearings on these buildings are scheduled. These hearings are likely to be held at the end of the year or in the New Year.

END

About the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission

The Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission in Christchurch was established in response to the building failure and loss of life caused by the Canterbury earthquake in February 2011.

The purpose of the Commission is to examine issues around the built environment in the Christchurch central business district and to inquire into the adequacy of relevant building codes and standards into the future.

The Commission is required to provide the Governor-General with an interim report by 11 October 2011 and a final report by no later than 11 April 2012.

For Further Information:

Robin Major
Senior Communications Advisor
Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission
Ph + 64 (0)3 741 3004 or + 64 (0)21 621 656
Email: robin.major@royalcommission.govt.nz