PHOTO: FILE
Wellington Railway Station Requires Further Seismic Strengthening to Shed Earthquake-Prone Status
Wellington Railway Station, an iconic landmark in the heart of New Zealand’s capital, will require additional strengthening work to meet earthquake safety standards, according to a newly released seismic report.
Despite years of remedial efforts, the station remains rated at just 20 percent of the National Building Standard (NBS), well below the threshold for being classified as safe.
A Longstanding Issue
In 2014, an initial assessment determined the station was at 20 percent of the NBS. A subsequent 2015 report recommended seismic upgrades to bring the building to 34 percent of the NBS, which would remove its earthquake-prone status.
KiwiRail has since completed several phases of strengthening work, with the most recent stage finished earlier this year. However, a revised detailed seismic assessment in November revealed that the building’s rating remains at 20 percent.
Next Steps for Seismic Upgrades
KiwiRail’s Executive General Manager for Property, Anna Allen, announced that additional strengthening work is planned to begin in the first half of 2025.
“KiwiRail is committed to bringing the building up to the required new standards,” Allen said.
While the exact cost of the work remains unclear, the project is still in its planning phase. Allen assured that KiwiRail aims to minimize disruption for commuters and tenants during the construction process.
KiwiRail’s executive property general manager Anna Allen told RNZ the required seismic work would start in the first half of 2025. Photo: RNZ / Phil Pennington
Stakeholder Reactions
Greater Wellington Regional Council Chairperson Daran Ponter acknowledged KiwiRail’s efforts and noted that Metlink, the region’s public transport operator, is satisfied with the station’s current safety status.
“The building was considered earthquake-prone prior to the survey, and a separate independent risk assessment commissioned by KiwiRail shows there is now no increased risk of loss of life,” Ponter said.
He expressed confidence in KiwiRail’s commitment to addressing the issue and looked forward to collaborating on a remediation plan.
A spokesperson for Rail Minister Winston Peters said the minister had not yet been formally briefed on the station’s seismic status but confirmed that KiwiRail is actively developing a solution.
Preserving an Icon
As a critical transport hub and architectural landmark, Wellington Railway Station plays a vital role in the city’s daily life. Bringing the building up to modern earthquake safety standards will ensure its long-term usability and preserve its heritage value.
The planned seismic upgrades represent a significant step toward ensuring the safety of commuters, staff, and visitors while maintaining the station’s historic charm.
SOURCE: RNZ