Drop, Cover, Hold on to Your Hall

DARCY LAWREY (HE/HIM)

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Wellington sure is an interesting place to choose as the capital: the windiest city in the world, and the most earthquake prone in Aotearoa. Earthquake safety is an important consideration anywhere in the motu, but sitting between two tectonic plates makes it especially critical here. 

New documents seen by Salient, released by Vic under the Official Information Act, have revealed the earthquake safety ratings of the university’s halls of residence. 

While most halls are at 100% of the New Building Standard (NBS), two halls are considered to have Earthquake Risk Buildings, with ratings below 67%.

Weir House, which underwent some strengthening work between 2021 and 2022, has one building rated at 34%, one point away from being considered “earthquake-prone”. 

Similarly, the OIA request revealed buildings at Everton Hall are rated between 35% and 53%.

But despite the less than ideal ratings, Simon Johnson, Director of Campus Operations, says that the university is “confident that both halls are safe to occupy”.

Plans are in place for earthquake strengthening at Weir House, while options for strengthening Everton Hall are currently being considered. The university plans to begin work at a time when the halls are unoccupied. 

Johnson says the university does not foresee an impact on student services as a result of the necessary spending on strengthening works, as funding for the project comes from the University’s capital plan.