Quake-prone home funding beats zoo animals for locals

Inner-city residents are asking for help to fund the mandatory seismic strengthening of their earthquake-prone homes – at the expense of Wellington Zoo.

They say some residents will be forced out of their homes and suggest Wellington City Council uses the $10 million it has pegged for zoo upgrades (including $3.5m for snow leopards) over 10 years to fund new initiatives for the capital’s earthquake-prone buildings.

This included a programme for specialist advice to help owners and body corporate committees with complex projects, which they estimated would cost $9m over 10 years.

They also propose a $5m lender of last resort facility – a no or low-interest rate loan with a caveat on the property.

Inner City Wellington deputy chairwoman Geraldine Murphy said financial support for earthquake-prone buildings was primarily for those with heritage status or unreinforced masonry

‘‘Snow leopards are not a priority when private owners are funding public-good outcomes.’’ Geraldine Murphy, of Inner City Wellington

facades and parapets and residential, multi-owner buildings were facing the biggest challenges.

‘‘If all owners cannot confirm funding, the project is put at risk, and without a last resort facility, the owners would be forced, by their neighbours, to sell their apartment. ’’

She said funding for the proposals could come from a range of other initiatives in the council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP), such as the proposal for zoo upgrades for snow [leopards] and cheetahs.

‘‘In our view, snow [leopards] are not a priority when private owners are funding public-good outcomes, and for some, face losing their homes.’’