Beehive stunt earns Building Act change

As political stunts go, it was a doozy.

National MP Nick Smith wrote to the Wellington City Council seeking to empty the Beehive because it did not comply with the Building Act.

His legal advice said renovations at the seat of government meant it could not be occupied unless "code compliance certificates" were issued.

His attempted eviction failed, with the council saying yesterday that it was satisfied the intent of the Building Act was being observed.

Clause 363 of the act, which came into force on March 31, prohibits the use of any part of a building where no code compliance certificate is issued. The clause is a direct response to the 1995 Cave Creek tragedy, which was blamed on a badly built platform.

Dr Smith said Speaker Margaret Wilson had confirmed there were no certificates for work on four lower floors of the Beehive, although building consents had been issued.

He said the clause was causing "havoc" in the building industry and could affect insurance cover on thousands of public buildings.

The Government tabled a late change to clarify the clause. Debate on the bill was adjourned when Parliament rose last night.

A spokesman for Building Issues Minister Chris Carter said Dr Smith was peddling extreme scenarios.

"Councils, which have the responsibility for the section, are taking a common sense approach."

Dr Smith said he was making extreme claims.

"Only a fortnight ago Chris Carter said there is no problem. Highlighting the Beehive non-compliance has helped focus the mind of the Government to change the law, which has been my primary concern."

Insurance Council chief executive Chris Ryan said Dr Smith had raised a technical issue and it was unlikely insurance cover would be affected.

Mr Ryan said he had not noticed any havoc in the building industry.