He has already released lists of earthquake risk buildings Wellington, Lower Hutt, Invercargill, Whangarei, Bluff and Levin, and today has released details of 12 Hokitika buildings, which the Westland District Council says could be considered earthquake risks.

He had obtained the list (attached) from the Westland District Council under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.

Mr Dunne says these buildings are ones considered unsafe by accepted earthquake standards.

"I say it is in the public interest that people know which buildings in their area are unsafe, which is why I have released the information."

"People will draw their own conclusions about the level of risk they face and what action they should take, but at least they will now have the public information to do so," he says.

Mr Dunne says he is extremely concerned so many Hokitika buildings are possible earthquake risks.

"We like to think we are making great progress in earthquake preparedness, but these figures are a sharp reminder about how much more work needs to be done for us to be truly well-prepared."

"These figures are a wake-up call the community and the Council cannot ignore," he says.

Mr Dunne is presently gathering information from local authorities around New Zealand on earthquake risk buildings.

ENDS