After the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, powers granted under emergency legislation were used to demolish a number of Category 1 buildings of outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance. The demolition of some of these buildings was not essential for public safety, nor were all such buildings badly damaged.

This Supplementary Order Paper exempts Category 1 buildings from the provisions of the Bill so as to ensure that no part of New Zealand’s physical historical heritage is lost unnecessarily. Existing provisions for emergency situations in which a building becomes dangerous or unsafe would still be used to ensure public safety.