Hon Peter Dunne
MP for Ohariu
Leader of UnitedFuture

Friday, 11 March 2011

Ohariu MP and UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has congratulated Wellington City Council for putting the register of the Capital’s earthquake-prone buildings online today, after his calls for it to do so for the past week.

“People deserve to know the status of the buildings they live, work and play in each and every day.

“Councils around New Zealand now need to ensure that they put lists for their areas online and that they keep the lists updated frequently and regularly,” Mr Dunne said.

He said Wellington City Council had deservedly felt “heat” in the past week or so for not maintaining the list to a useful level, or allowing it to be easily accessed by Wellingtonians.

He said the fact that Hamilton City Council – a low-risk area for earthquakes – had also put a list of that city’s buildings online today was indicative of what was likely to be a more general response now from councils.

“It is about empowering people with knowledge, and treating them like adults with a right to know. It’s an overdue step all around,” Mr Dunne said.

He said UnitedFuture would now post the updated Wellington and Hamilton lists on its website at www.unitedfuture.org.nz

“What has happened in Christchurch has raised concerns and awareness about earthquake readiness generally, and that is actually a good thing for the overall preparedness of New Zealanders in whatever part of the country they live in,” he said.

ENDS

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