Central-city tenants accuse Civil Defence of mistakenly condemning buildings.
The post-quake clean-up in Christchurch, is rapidly turning into an object lesson in emergency mismanagement. In its eagerness to make safe buildings damaged in the 22 February earthquake, New Zealand’s authorities are seemingly intent on making just about every mistake possible.
The government and local authorities were initially criticised for their haste in pulling down some buildings. The management of the demolition process was subsequently described as a “train wreck” by a prominent Kiwi contractor. Then there were accusations of thefts from site by demolition crews. But, just when it appears that a stable management plan has been set in place to demolish 128 unstable or unsafe structures, news emerges that at least three of these should not actually be on the list at all.
On Friday, Civil Defence released a list of 128 Christchurch buildings earmarked for probable demolition, but quickly admitted it had made a mistake with three buildings.
Yesterday, tenants and building owners questioned the list, with some saying their buildings had been incorrectly included.
Community Law Canterbury manager Paul O’Neill said he was “absolutely shocked” to learn the Madras St law centre had been recommended for demolition. The centre was red-stickered because of danger from an adjacent building, but had suffered no significant damage, he said. “They need to be very certain before they put a building on that list.”
After contacting the emergency management office, O’Neill said he was told a mistake had probably been made and the building was unlikely to be demolished. “For them not to contact us is inexcusable really.”
Walker Davey partner John Abbot said he found out only through the media that the BDO Spicer building on Victoria St, where his office was based, was earmarked for demolition. “I think some people have just pulled some names out of a hat.”
The news contradicted the last update from the building’s owner, who had said it could probably be repaired, Abbot said.
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