Strengthening Foundations: Seismic Upgrades at Six WCC Social Housing Complexes

Introduction: A Commitment to Safety in Wellington

In the heart of Wellington, where the earth’s tremors are a constant reminder of nature’s power, the Wellington City Council (WCC) alongside Te Toi Mahana, the body managing tenancies, has embarked on a critical mission to ensure the safety of its residents. This article, presented by One Network Wellington Live, delves into the seismic strengthening efforts at six WCC social housing complexes, a proactive step towards earthquake resilience. With detailed assessments, community engagement, and a clear plan for remediation, this initiative underscores the city’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens.

The Need for Seismic Strengthening

Wellington, situated on a fault line, is no stranger to seismic activity. The necessity for seismic strengthening in social housing complexes became evident after recent assessments revealed that parts of these structures fall below the 34% New Building Standard (NBS) threshold, marking them as earthquake-prone. The NBS system evaluates a building’s seismic performance based on its weakest structural component, highlighting the urgency for remediation to safeguard lives and property.

Assessment Findings

The WCC commissioned comprehensive seismic and occupancy risk assessments, which uncovered that several blocks within these complexes were not up to the required standards. Here’s a breakdown of the affected properties:

• Berkeley Dallard, 46 Nairn Street, Mount Cook
• 144, 146, 148 Daniell Street, Newtown
• Hanson Court (Blocks A, C, D & E), at 80 Hanson Street and 3 Hutchison Road, Newtown
• Kōtuku (Blocks A, B, C & D), at 5 Kemp Street and 609 Evans Parade, Kilbirnie
• Pukehinau (link bridge only), 4 Brooklyn Road, Aro Valley
• Whare Ahuru Flats, 16 Glenmore Street, Thorndon

These assessments, guided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Seismic Risk Guidance, confirmed that while remediation is necessary, the buildings remain safe for habitation during the process.

The Remediation Process

The remediation process involves a series of steps designed to bring these buildings up to a safer standard, ensuring they can withstand future seismic events better. Here’s how the process is unfolding:

Rehousing and Support

Te Toi Mahana has taken on the responsibility of rehousing tenants where necessary to facilitate the upgrade works. This process is being managed with care to minimize disruption:

• Tenants are being informed well in advance, with options for temporary relocation provided.
• Support services are in place to assist tenants through the transition, ensuring their needs are met.

Community Engagement

To ensure transparency and address tenant concerns, the Council and Te Toi Mahana are hosting information sessions at each affected complex. These sessions serve multiple purposes:

• Providing a platform for tenants to voice concerns and receive direct answers from council and Te Toi Mahana staff.
• Offering detailed briefings on project timelines, expected disruptions, and safety measures during the construction phase.

Statements from Key Figures

The leadership at both WCC and Te Toi Mahana have expressed their commitment to this project:

Jenny Chetwynd, Council Chief Infrastructure Officer

“While there is nothing within the assessments that indicates the buildings cannot continue to be lived in, the Council appreciates the uncertainty it can cause and is committed to completing the work with minimal disruption to tenants and in a timely manner.”

Daniel Tai, Te Toi Mahana General Manager Tenancy

“We understand this may cause concern for our tenants. Please be assured, we will support all our tenants throughout this process and work alongside them to minimise the impact that this may cause.”

Technical Aspects of Seismic Strengthening

Seismic strengthening involves several technical interventions, tailored to each building’s specific needs:

Structural Enhancements

Techniques might include:

• Reinforcing existing structural elements with steel or concrete to improve load-bearing capacity.
• Adding base isolators or dampers to absorb and dissipate seismic energy.
• Retrofitting walls and floors to enhance lateral stability.

Compliance with Standards

The work aims to elevate these buildings above the 34% NBS threshold, aligning with:

• The Building Act 2004, which mandates the identification and strengthening of earthquake-prone buildings.
• MBIE guidelines, which provide a framework for assessing and managing seismic risks.

Impact on Tenants and Community

The impact of such extensive work on the community, particularly on the tenants, is significant. Here’s how it’s being managed:

Minimizing Disruption

Efforts to minimize disruption include:

• Phased construction to allow parts of the buildings to remain occupied.
• Provision of alternative accommodation close to the original location to maintain community ties.

Long-term Benefits

The long-term benefits for tenants and the community are:

• Increased safety and peace of mind knowing their homes are more resilient to earthquakes.
• Potential improvements in living conditions due to associated upgrades during the strengthening process.

Looking Forward: The Future of Wellington’s Social Housing

This seismic strengthening project is part of a broader vision for Wellington’s social housing:

Sustainability and Resilience

Future plans include:

• Regular seismic assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.
• Integration of sustainable building practices, reducing the environmental footprint of these upgrades.

Community Involvement

Engagement will continue beyond the current project:

• Establishing tenant advisory groups to have a say in future housing developments and upgrades.
• Exploring partnerships with local universities and research institutions for innovative seismic solutions.

Conclusion: A Safer Tomorrow for Wellington

The seismic strengthening at six WCC social housing complexes is more than just a construction project; it’s a commitment to the safety and well-being of Wellington’s community. By addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by seismic assessments, the Council and Te Toi Mahana are not only adhering to legal standards but are also fostering a culture of resilience and care. As One Network Wellington Live, we stand with our community, reporting on these efforts to ensure our readers are informed, engaged, and reassured about the future of their homes in this vibrant city. With notices now displayed at building entrances, the journey towards a safer Wellington continues, one strengthened foundation at a time.