Quake risk handling defended

Wellington: Health Minister Andrew Little is defending the Hutt Valley District Health Board over the handling of its quakeprone block at Hutt Hospital.

The seismic rating of the Heretaunga Block is 15% of the new building standard and may have to be cleared.

Documents show the board used a 10yearold assessment to persuade the Hutt City Council to go easy on it in May last year.

Mr Little said it was understandable that the 15% code was causing nervousness.

‘‘I’m satisfied with what I’ve seen and the advice I’ve had that the district health board . . . have approached this responsibly and appropriately,’’ Mr Little said. — RNZ