16 March 2011

The Standards Council has expressed its support and sympathy to everyone affected by the recent Christchurch earthquake, and is putting in place ways in which its operating arm (Standards New Zealand) can help the Canterbury community as it recovers and rebuilds.

Said Standards Council Chairman John Lumsden: ‘To everyone touched by the devastation, you are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Also, we wish to support our Canterbury colleagues in practical ways.’

Said Standards New Zealand Chief Executive, Debbie Chin: ‘We are offering a number of ways to help committee members, nominating organisations, subscribers, and customers whose businesses have been affected. These are:

• A travel fund to provide financial support to Canterbury-based committee members to enable them to attend development meetings in other parts of New Zealand.
• A free 6-month Standards New Zealand online library subscription for any Canterbury-based members who have lost their hard-copy Standards collections and/or PCs/servers in the earthquake.
• Extension of credit terms for Standards to Canterbury businesses experiencing financial hardship directly due to the earthquake.
• Office space at Standards New Zealand on The Terrace, Wellington, to use when in the capital.’

Further information about this assistance can be gained by emailing enquiries@standards.co.nz.

Mrs Chin said seismic consideration was an important aspect of all New Zealand building design Standards.

'Our Standard development processes are robust and world-leading. In fact, our Standards are often seen as international Standards in themselves, and are studied and used by developed countries.'

'Standards continue to evolve. Our Standards committees draw on scientific evidence and learnings, experience, judgement, risk assessment, and input from various stakeholders, including experts – local and international – and the public to update and revise Standards.'

Mrs Chin said Standards New Zealand will continue to work with stakeholders and experts to collate findings and research from the Canterbury earthquakes, which in turn will drive the Standards work programme to make living in New Zealand safer.

Further information on Standards New Zealand and earthquake building design development.

ENDS

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