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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIn New Zealand, an earthquake-prone building (EPB) notice is a formal territorial authority (local council) determination that a building—or a specified part of it—is earthquake-prone under the current statutory system. It records seismic-performance information and sets the owner a deadline to strengthen or demolish the affected building or part. The notice flags a life-safety risk to be managed; it does not, by itself, mean the building is immediately dangerous or must be vacated.
The rules are changing: most amendments under the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act 2026 begin on 1 July 2027. Until then, the current framework remains in force, subject to geographic changes already made. Check the specific address and council record rather than relying on a general description or an old notice.
What does an earthquake-prone building notice mean?
A notice means the council has formally determined that a building or part of one meets the current statutory definition of an earthquake-prone building. The council considers engineering assessment and other property information when making its decision. A request for an assessment or an earlier potential-EPB notification is a process step, not the same thing as a final notice.
The notice is public information for people who own, occupy, use, or are considering buying the property. It identifies the affected scope, gives the current rating category where applicable, and specifies the owner’s deadline for required seismic work. The details that matter are those on the building’s own notice and current register entry.
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What does the %NBS rating mean?
Under the current system, %NBS describes a building’s or part’s assessed seismic performance compared with the Building Code seismic requirements for a new building on the same site. It is a comparative measure, not a prediction of what will happen to that building in a particular earthquake. A 25% rating, for example, means performance assessed at 25% of the relevant requirements; it does not mean a 25% chance of collapse.
MBIE’s notice guidance, last updated 31 October 2024, describes these notice categories:
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| Notice category | What it indicates | Appearance described by MBIE |
|---|---|---|
| 0% to less than 20% (%NBS) | Current rating category; it also applies where no engineering assessment has been provided and a rating has not been determined. | Orange-and-black striped border. |
| 20% to less than 34% (%NBS) | Current rating category. | White-and-black striped border. |
| Older section 124 notice issued before 1 July 2017 | Older notice category where the earthquake rating is not known. | Orange border. |
| Exemption notice | An owner may apply to the territorial authority for an exemption from seismic work. MBIE says exemptions recognise low consequences of failure and low risk to life safety and other property; an exemption is not proof that a building has no seismic vulnerability. | Not stated in the cited MBIE notice guidance. |
These categories describe the current notice framework. Read the actual notice and register record for the property’s scope, category, deadline, and status.
Can I live in or use an earthquake-prone building?
MBIE says an EPB designation does not mean the building is immediately dangerous; most such buildings can continue to be used while strengthening is planned. That is general guidance, not a building-specific safety finding. A notice alone does not establish that every use is appropriate or that access will remain unchanged. Follow any emergency instruction, closure notice, or direct advice from authorities.
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Check whether the notice covers the whole building or only a part, and ask the owner or property manager about the assessment, planned work, and any expected disruption or access restrictions.
What does the notice mean for owners?
Display the notice and meet the deadline
The owner must display the notice prominently on or adjacent to the building and complete required seismic work within the timeframe specified. If the notice is no longer attached or becomes illegible, MBIE’s guidance says the owner should tell the territorial authority and follow its instructions about attachment or removal. A fine may apply for failures described in that guidance.
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If the owner plans substantial alterations to an EPB, required seismic work must be carried out at the same time. Confirm the deadline and any relevant council requirements directly with the territorial authority; do not assume that a proposed project or discussion with the council changes the notice timeframe.
Plan work with competent professionals
Owners should get competent engineering advice and work with appropriate building professionals to consider the strengthening or demolition approach, budget, tenant impacts, consents, heritage issues, and any closures affecting public space. Keep the assessment, council correspondence, approvals, and completion records together so the status of the work can be verified.
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If you disagree with the decision or rating
Read MBIE’s owner guidance, seek engineering advice, and discuss the decision with the council. If disagreement remains, an owner can consider applying to MBIE for a determination. MBIE describes determinations as legally binding rulings for most council decisions in the EPB system. A determination cannot be used to challenge enforcement for missing a strengthening or removal deadline.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does an earthquake-prone building notice mean for tenants and other users?
Use the sign and the public register to understand what has been formally identified, then ask the owner or property manager for the engineering assessment, work plan, affected areas, and expected disruption. The council and MBIE guidance does not establish a universal tenancy outcome: whether someone can end a lease, withhold rent, or require alternative accommodation depends on the circumstances and applicable law. Get advice specific to the tenancy rather than treating the notice as an automatic answer.
What should buyers check before buying a property with an EPB notice?
- Search the exact address. Check the live EPB register and confirm the property’s current status with the territorial authority, especially during the 2026–27 transition.
- Request the complete record. Ask the seller for the notice, engineering assessment, council letters, deadlines or extensions, relevant permits and consent records, any exemption decision, and evidence of completed seismic work.
- Check scope and status. Establish whether the notice concerns all or part of the building, what work is planned or complete, and whether occupancy or access is affected.
- Compare records with the transaction documents. Review seller disclosures and the sale contract with a conveyancing or property lawyer. Ask an appropriately qualified engineer to assess the building and the implications of the assessment and proposed work.
- Verify provider-specific questions directly. A notice may be material to due diligence, but it does not establish a uniform effect on sale price, saleability, insurance, or lending. Ask the relevant insurer and lender about this property and transaction.
How New Zealand’s EPB rules are changing
The Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act 2026 passed in September 2026. Auckland, the Chatham Islands, and the upper North Island low seismic zone have been removed from the EPB system. Parts of Dunedin, coastal Otago, and Stewart Island that were previously in the low seismic zone are now in the medium zone. Most new rules begin on 1 July 2027; existing rules continue until then.
From 1 July 2027, %NBS ratings will no longer be used to identify EPBs, and the Act will not require %NBS ratings. Under the new system, only buildings in medium or high seismic zones can be designated EPBs. Qualifying building types include unreinforced masonry or heavy-material buildings, such as concrete buildings, that are at least three storeys tall. Retrofit requirements will vary by location, building type, and population. For a specific address, check the live address search and ask the local council which rules and records apply.
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Where to verify a property’s status
- Use the New Zealand EPB register to search for the property and review its public record.
- Ask the territorial authority to confirm the notice, affected scope, deadline, any extensions, and current work or completion status.
- For technical questions, obtain advice from an appropriately qualified engineer; owners should also consult suitable building professionals about work and consents.
- For a purchase, have a conveyancing or property lawyer review how the notice and related records intersect with the sale contract.
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