Review of area “designated” following Cyclone Gabrielle storm

The “designation” of Tinui township and surrounding areas (including Castlepoint, Mataikona and Whakataki) under the Building Act 2004 has been reviewed, and remains in place to help manage ongoing risks to people from buildings affected by flooding and land instability as a result Cyclone Gabrielle.

As required under the Act, the existing designation was reviewed after 90 days on 22 August 2023, and again on 7 December 2023, and will remain in place until MDC is satisfied that it is not required to aid in the recovery.

About the designation

The designation allows Masterton District Council to take specific actions under the Building Act to manage buildings in an emergency.

The decision to designate the region was made by Steven May, the Appointed Local CDEM Controller at 9am on 24 February 2023 and the designation took effect immediately.

The designation will be reviewed every 90 days to confirm that the powers conferred by the designation are required to manage the response and recovery.

The designation may remain in place until 24 February 2026, unless terminated earlier.

Designated area

The designated area is Tinui township and surrounding areas (including Castlepoint, Mataikona and Whakataki).

The area designated will be reviewed once Rapid Building Assessments are completed.

Powers under a designation

The Building Act provides us a number of powers that may be exercised in respect to all buildings within the designated area, including the ability to:

• enter buildings
• complete post-event assessments
• direct the evacuation of buildings
• put in place measures for protecting buildings and keeping people at a safe distance
• place notices and signs on buildings
• direct the owners of building or land to provide information
• direct works (urgent and non-urgent) to remove or reduce risks
• direct works for long-term use or occupation of a building.

Assessment placards (stickers)

Information about the different placards and what they mean is available on the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) website.

Non-compliance and penalties

The Building Act sets out a number of offences and penalties for non-compliance in this matter, in sections 133BR to 133BU, 133BW and 133BX.

Penalties include fines of between $5000 and $200,000.

How to get your building assessed?

If your house has suffered damage by Cyclone Gabrielle, please contact Masterton District Council on 06 370 6300 so a rapid building assessment can be carried out to assess the damage, existing or potential hazards, record details of the damage and assign appropriate placards to buildings to identify any restrictions of use.