He has already released lists of earthquake risk buildings in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Invercargill, Whangarei, Hamilton, Bluff, Levin, Hokitika, Selwyn, and Marlborough and today has released information from the Masterton District Council that 23 buildings in its area could be considered earthquake risks.

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

"I say it is in the public interest that people know whether 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 should have the public information to do so," he says.

Mr Dunne says he is extremely concerned so many 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," he says.

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

"Overall, the state of readiness is appalling, with most Councils having no lists at all of potential earthquake risk buildings in their areas," he says.

ENDS