My buildings not a risk, says mayor

Masterton's mayor says no one is at risk from the buildings he owns in the town centre, despite some being deemed earthquake risks.

Garry Daniell owns eight buildings in Queen St - such as the Daniell's Buildings and Empire Lodge - and acknowledged some of them were earthquake-prone buildings.

He said building owners were contacted by Masterton District Council a few years ago to undertake an initial earthquake assessment.

Mr Daniell had completed those requirements at the time, and said "well over a hundred" other building owners had not responded.

One building was not assessed as the building plans were not available at council.

Owners were then required to undertake a detailed structural analysis and subsequent remedial work needed, which Mr Daniell has not yet completed.

He said he had complied with council wishes.

"I haven't commissioned the detailed structural analysis and I'm not required to yet," he said.

"One of the things which is a little bit difficult to follow is exactly what the council should be doing - that's part of the process which involves government action."

He was satisfied with the state of his buildings.

"Almost without exception they came through the 1942 earthquake ... I don't think anyone is at risk being in them at this stage."

Chief executive officer Wes ten Hove said council sent out letters in 2008 advising building owners to undertake the assessments.

Some had complied and followed up with an assessment against the seismic performance standard for new buildings, which is 33 per cent.

Those who were above this standard were struck off the list of earthquake-prone building.

"We want to absolutely minimise the risk but we can't flick our fingers and have everything up to scratch," said Mr ten Hove.

He said owners had 10 years to fix their buildings from the date the first letter was sent.

Council is currently reviewing its Earthquake Prone Building Policy and more letters are expected to be sent out to building owners this week.