The Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) is encouraging New Zealand homeowners, particularly those in older properties, to assess potential earthquake hazards following a Wellington family’s experience during the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake.
The commission’s guidance comes as part of ongoing efforts to reduce injury and property damage from seismic events, with a focus on risks posed by unreinforced chimneys and unsecured household items.
A Wellington resident, Emily, and her partner purchased a 1920s home with several chimneys, most of which had been removed to roof level by previous owners.
One chimney, however, remained in use, connected to a modern wood burner. The family did not initially recognise the risk associated with the original chimney structure.
“We weren’t big fire users, but it was nice to have it,” Emily told the NHC.
The Kaikōura earthquake, which struck after midnight on Nov. 14, 2016, had a magnitude of 7.8 and was felt strongly in Wellington despite the city’s distance from the epicentre.
While the couple’s children slept through the event, Emily and her partner were awakened by the shaking.
Soon after the earthquake, neighbours alerted the family that the remaining chimney had collapsed. The structure fell along the side of the house, damaging the roof and narrowly missing the room where their baby was sleeping.
“If it had fallen a different way, it would’ve crushed our son,” Emily said. “We were incredibly lucky – it tore part of the roof off, brushed the heat pump, and came to rest beside the gas mains, but only the roof was damaged.”
The family faced delays in securing repairs due to high demand for builders following the earthquake.
Upon inspection, it was determined that the chimney was unstable and unsafe, despite its modern flue.
“We’d assumed it was safe because it had a modern flue. But the original chimney structure was still there, old and unsupported,” Emily said.
The family decided to remove the chimney entirely and install alternative heating. Emily said the experience led her to prioritise risk assessments in older homes.
“We know we live in a risky country, but we kind of hope it will never happen. I feel like we were so lucky in this earthquake, it could have been devastating,” she said. “If I were buying an older house again, checking the chimney would be the first thing I’d do. Anything above the roofline is a risk, it’s worth budgeting to get it removed for safety.”
The NHC advises homeowners to take practical steps to reduce risks in children’s bedrooms. Recommendations include:
For cots with castors, locking them can prevent movement during earthquakes.
The commission also encourages property owners to consult licensed building practitioners to assess the condition of brick or masonry chimneys. Removing the portion above the roofline is often recommended to lower the risk of collapse.
“Protecting your child’s room is a great start, but for us, the danger was just above it,” Emily said.
