On 21 September 2026, NZSEE made a submission to Standards New Zealand on the public consultation draft of NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings.
Light timber-framed, low-rise construction makes up close to 90% of New Zealand’s building consents, and NZS 3604 is relied on every day by architects, builders, building consent officers and engineers. It is one of the cornerstones of seismic resilience for Aotearoa New Zealand, and it is often used as the benchmark for specific engineering design.
In our submission, NZSEE emphasised that the Standard’s interpretation, scope and limitations need to be clearly stated and illustrated with examples to prevent misuse. This builds on issues recently raised in NZSEE’s Interim Advice: Townhouse Bracing and by the Natural Hazards Commission, as well as feedback from our members, through our webinar Why is Seismic Design in New Zealand so hard? and a member survey, calling for clearer, simpler standards and better guidance.
NZSEE’s submission forms part of a broader collaborative response with SESOC, NZGS, Engineering New Zealand (including the Engineering General Practitioners group) and the Timber Design Society. NZSEE generally supports these groups’ submissions, with some minor differences, and focused its comments on matters most relevant to earthquake resilience.
Read the NZSEE cover letter (PDF)/ Contact us for the full submission
