Wellington City Council wants law change to make reporting building conditions compulsory

The capital has more than 600 buildings deemed vulnerable - but the council fears there could be more.

Wellington City Council wants the law changed to force business owners to report building conditions - especially whether they are vulnerable to damage in an earthquake.

The council also wants to have the power to investigate in certain situations, and to enforce strengthening.

Wellington has more than 600 buildings deemed to be vulnerable to damage in an earthquake, and the council fears there could be more.

Libby Dearnley of Craft Central is one of those affected, and had to close up her shop immediately after finding out the Reading Cinemas above her were prone.

"Once the full reports come back and the management have some idea exactly what is going on in terms of time frames ... then we will know," she said.

Wellington City Council only found out about the risk the night before the complex was suddenly closed.

Remedial work is taking place around the city, but for some cost remains a major roadblock.

The government has told MBIE and the Tax Working Group to come up with recommendations for financial support.

There are now just two years left for several property owners in the capital to take action.

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