Thousands of NZ buildings no longer require earthquake strengthening

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says common sense has prevailed, after the government passed legislation that means thousands of buildings across the country will no longer require earthquake strengthening.

The Earthquake-prone Building Amendment Bill brings an end to quake strengthening rules in Auckland.

It also means the earthquake-prone building system will no longer apply in the Chatham Islands and the low-seismic zone in the upper North Island within a matter of days.

Parts of coastal Otago and Stewart Island that were previously in a low seismic zone will move to a medium seismic zone.

"Auckland is one of the least seismically active regions of New Zealand, with a much lower earthquake hazard than places such as Wellington and much of the South Island," Brown said.