The Cathedral parish met on Sunday 17 September to learn about the seismic status of the building.  Chair of the Earthquake Strengthening Committee, Lawrence Yule, lead a presentation on the situation.

Waiapu Cathedral is an earthquake-prone building awaiting formal notice by Napier City Council.  This status has been determined after extensive seismic investigation and a Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA).  The parish will have 25 years to strengthen the building following receipt of the notice from NCC.

A risk-based assessment has determined that the building is quite strong and withstand moderate earthquakes, but risks failure during a large earthquake of magnitude 7 or 8.  The probability of large events is lower but the damage would be higher.

Earthquake strengthening costs are estimated around $20million.  The notification by Napier City Council of the Cathedral’s Heritage 1 status is likely to add extra cost.

You can read more information in the explanatory handout provided to the parish, linked here.