Whakatāne District Council has formally adopted its updated Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy 2025, setting out how the Council will manage buildings that may pose a risk to people, neighbouring properties, or the wider community.
The policy, required under the Building Act 2004, sets out the steps the Council will take when a building is found to be dangerous, could be affected by a dangerous neighbouring building, or is insanitary. It replaces the 2019 policy and will be reviewed again within five years, as required by legislation.
The Council’s review process aimed to make the policy clearer, more transparent, and more closely aligned with the Building Act. Updates include:
- A clearer process for identifying dangerous, affected, or insanitary buildings, and the actions the Council may take.
- A new structure that reflects the Council’s strategic direction.
- A dedicated section on how and when the policy will be reviewed.
- A version history table for transparency.
The policy’s objectives are to ensure people can use buildings safely and without endangering their health, and to ensure any identified risks are reduced or removed within an acceptable timeframe.
Under the policy, the Council’s approach is reactive rather than proactive. This means Council staff will not routinely inspect buildings for potential issues, but will investigate all credible complaints or information received from building occupants, neighbours, emergency services, or other agencies
General Manager Planning, Regulatory & Infrastructure, David Bewley, says the updated policy gives the community confidence that building-related risks will be managed effectively and fairly.
“This policy provides a clear framework for how we respond to buildings that may pose a danger or health risk,” Mr Bewley says. “It strikes a balance between protecting public safety and recognising the practical realities of building ownership. While we hope situations like this are rare, our role is to act promptly and transparently when they do occur.”
Public consultation on the draft policy was held in June and July this year as part of the Special Consultative Procedure under the Local Government Act 2002 and the Building Act 2004. No submissions were received.
The updated policy takes effect immediately and is available to view on Council’s website at www.whakatane.govt.nz.