Revoke demolition power, Labour says

"Extreme wartime powers" that allow the demolition of Christ Church Cathedral and other heritage buildings without public consultation need to be revoked, Labour says.

Section 38 of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act allows building owners to ask the Government for a demolition order without public consultation.

The provision was meant to protect the public from earthquake-damaged buildings but was no longer needed and could be open to abuse, Labour's arts, culture and heritage spokeswoman Jacinda Ardern said.

"The fact that this power remains now is an abuse of power. It's fair and right that these powers be removed."

Removing Section 38 would make demolition of Christ Church Cathedral subject to public debate under the Resource Management Act and could have saved buildings like the Majestic Theatre, Ardern said.

"Basically we're saying that extraordinary power should not be arbitrarily used on something as iconic as the cathedral. It's time for that power to go."

There was originally a need for swift action on unsafe buildings under Section 38 powers, "but we are three years on now" and it was doubtful that buildings like the Majestic had to be removed under the law.

"Some would argue that it was removed for a transport plan, not for public safety, necessarily. We want to put an end to that kind of action."

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said the Government was not anti-heritage.

"But in managing the recovery we're very mindful of ensuring people aren't injured or killed in dangerous buildings. Cera [Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority] has done everything practical to see buildings retained but this was a big event and sadly many buildings could not be saved."

Visit link:
Revoke demolition power, Labour says