'All clear' raises questions about IANZ and Adams probe
There are no safety issues with Christchurch building consents, according to audit.
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An audit confirming the safety of Christchurch city council’s building consents raises new questions.
Yesterday, building and construction minister Maurice Williamson said a ministry of business, innovation and employment audit found no safety issues in consents. The problems related to paper work.
The audit follows international accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) cancelling the council’s building consent accreditation, particularly in relation to 17 consents where it says they had not complied with the building code.
Last week, IANZ chief executive Dr Llewllyn Richards told NBR ONLINE there were safety issues.
“We took a tiny sample of consents and found technical issues that have the capability of causing damage and injury. It’s not our job to go and identify all the problems and defects. That’s the job of the city council. It’s up to them to show they are competent,” he told NBR last week.
The ministry audit which found no safety problems raises questions about the methods used by IANZ officials.
The “all clear” also raises questions about environment minister Amy Adams’ enthusiasm in launching an investigation into the resource consent department at Christchurch city council.
A wider audit will be conducted by $2000-a-day Crown manager Doug Martin, who was appointed by the government after the council lost its accreditation this week.
Chris Hutching
Fri, 12 Jul 2013
Fri, 12 Jul 2013
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'All clear' raises questions about IANZ and Adams probe
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