Most Auckland and Wellington high-rises failed to meet earthquake standards to stop people being hit by falling objects.

According to a survey released to the Radio NZ by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Auckland has a 100% failure rate of earthquake bracing of fire sprinklers and pipes, while Wellington has 73% failure rate.

The survey is the first official confirmation of industry warnings of massive non-compliance to the standards for securing non-structural elements, RNZ said.

The report examined 41 floors in 20 commercial buildings – each four storeys or higher and less than 60 years old – in Wellington and Auckland, RNZ said.

MBIE also released a second report that showed non-structural failures posed little threat to peoples' lives but could cause many minor injuries, and a third report that detailed a possible insurance threat of premiums being hiked, or cover refused point-blank, if damage due to substandard restraints kept on costing insurers.

MBIE told RNZ that it had ordered an overhaul of the relevant standards. The ministry said there were industry seminars, a code of practice and training aimed at improving the situation.


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