Resources

Purpose

This note is to advise the sector, including local road controlling authorities, the position of Waka Kotahi is that the newly released National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) does not immediately affect Waka Kotahi issued design standards and guidance, including the Bridge Manual.

Waka Kotahi will continue to provide updates as they become necessary, following any developments resulting from the updated NSHM.

General information

The updated NSHM incorporates revised ground shaking parameters based on new information and improved scientific techniques. The modelled outputs do not require an automatic change to how we design our infrastructure. Therefore, building professionals and practitioners should continue to use existing law and technical standards and guidance to demonstrate that their work complies with current standards.

More information on the updated NSHM can be found on The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - Hīkina Whakatutuki (MBIE) website: https://www.building.govt.nz/getting-started/seismic-work-programme/national-seismic-hazard-model/(external link)

MBIE are carefully considering what the updated National Seismic Hazard Model means for new building design standards. Waka Kotahi is closely working with MBIE who is currently engaged with Engineering New Zealand and relevant technical societies to assess what changes to building design standards are required, and how to include the NSHM results in regulatory settings for new buildings. 

Until any changes are made to the Building Code and relevant Waka Kotahi standards and guidance, engineers and the broader sector should continue to use the existing version of our design standards and guidance.

Further information

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Nigel Lloyd at bridgemanual@nzta.govt.nz.

For more information visit the https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/highways-information-portal/technical-advice-note/