Several office blocks including the Ministry of Education building have recently been evacuated due to lower than expected New Building Standard Ratings.
Because the code will likely continue to change ... architects are saying businesses shouldn't do the bare minimum in seismic strengthening.
Architecture Plus director Belinda Tuohy says it's also a chance to improve aspects of buildings such as their sustainability and interior.
She says because it's such invasive work it's a great opportunity to correct issues and increase a building's life.