Earthquake-prone Waiapu Cathedral bell tower closed while risk is assessed
Access to the bell tower of the Waiapu Cathedral has been closed while an investigation into the risk of keeping the earthquake-prone building open is completed.
Since 2013 it has been known that the Waiapu Cathedral bell tower is earthquake-prone.
However, a fresh risk assessment of the cathedral has been completed to understand how the building measures up against the latest building standards.
Bishop of Waiapu, Rt Reverend Andrew Hedge, said the building’s overall rating was 20 per cent of the new build standard, reflecting the low rating of the bell tower and the nave (each 20 per cent).
“The remaining parts of the cathedral have been assessed at between 25 per cent and 40 per cent of new build standard; compared to 34 per cent required by the Building Act.”
Bishop of Waiapu Rt Reverend Andrew Hedge. Photo/Supplied.
Hedge noted that MBIE’s guidelines on seismic assessments stated that while a low NBS percentage rating indicated a heightened life safety risk in the event of an earthquake, it did not mean the building is imminently dangerous.
Since the first assessment in 2013, the parish has taken a number of precautionary health and safety measures to limit capacity in the nave (main body of the cathedral) and restrict access to the bell tower.
“In light of the most recent report, staff will be moved from the bell tower to other parts of the building and for the time being, we will be closing the bell tower.
“We are now awaiting Napier City Council to advise us of their requirements under the regulations."
Hedge said the diocese was now investigating the risks of remaining open and looking at the cost of remediation.
“We are also now able to start the process to investigate the risks to remaining open and to begin costing the remediation work required.
"Once we have this detail, we will be able to turn our attention to the matter of funding for the necessary seismic works to bring our beloved Cathedral to the required standard.”
A Napier City Council spokeswoman said council will issue an earthquake-prone notice to the Waiapu Board in due course.
"Once a notice has been issued, the building owners have up to 15 years to carry out the required strengthening work," she said.
