Log in with RealMe

To access the Procurement online service, you need a RealMe login. If you've used a RealMe login somewhere else, you can use it here too. If you don't already have a username and password, just select "Log in" and choose to create one.

What's RealMe?

To log in to this service you need a RealMe login.

This service uses RealMe login to secure and protect your personal information.

RealMe login is a service from the New Zealand government that includes a single login, letting you use one username and password to access a wide range of services online.

Find out more at www.realme.govt.nz.

Seismic guidance for government offices

Understanding seismic risk and how it applies to government offices.

October 2025 – the Government is reviewing how earthquake-prone buildings are identified and managed

The government is proposing changes to the Earthquake-prone building (EPB) system led by MBIE’s Building Performance team.

For the latest updates on the review and seismic safety information, visit MBIE’s Building Performance website.

Proposed changes to the earthquake-prone (EPB) system — MBIE.govt.nz(external link)

Stay up to date — Building Performance(external link)

How we support agencies

The Government Property Office (GPO) helps agencies understand how seismic risk information should inform leasing decisions for office space.

This guidance should be used alongside the MBIE Building Performance team’s Seismic Risk Guidance for Buildings. It does not replace this advice or apply to operational facilities such as hospitals, schools, or prisons.

Understanding seismic assessments — Building Performance

Seismic rating advice for agencies

Understanding the New Building Standard (% NBS)

Before entering a new lease or renewing an existing lease, agencies should understand the building’s seismic profile.
The New Building Standard (% NBS) assigned to a building indicates its likely performance in a seismic event compared to a new building of the same type.
Qualified engineering advice should be used to interpret % NBS ratings.
Understanding specific structural vulnerabilities is often more important than the overall NBS rating.

New leases

Buildings rated 67% NBS or higher generally offer a good balance of safety, resilience, and cost.
Agencies should aim for buildings at 67% NBS or higher when entering a new lease.
If you plan to lease a building below 67% NBS, please contact GPO to discuss.

New builds and major refurbishments

Aim for 67% NBS or higher.
Most new builds or major refurbishments are typically designed to achieve 100% NBS.

Existing leases

If a building you lease is assessed at below 67% NBS

contact GPO as soon as possible for advice
consider early action if engineers identify a specific high risk structural issue
seek an independent peer review before initiating any programme of work
document all decisions, risk assessments, and agreed timelines for strengthening work.

Strengthening work should align with long-term maintenance or capital plans.

If a building is assessed at below 34% NBS, you will also need to

complete a structured occupancy risk assessment including independently peer reviewed engineering advice
work with your landlord under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 as joint Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) to plan how safety risks will be managed
consider temporary mitigation measures if recommended by engineers.

Support available

If you’re unsure how this guidance applies to your agency or need help interpreting seismic information, contact the Government Property Office team.

Email us