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flag Dunedin faces potential heritage and economic harm as seismic upgrades may force costly retrofits on historic buildings.

flag Heritage advocates in Dunedin warn that upgrading the city’s seismic risk zone from low to medium could endanger historic buildings and harm the local economy, as new rules may force costly retrofits on older structures, particularly three-level unreinforced masonry buildings. flag With tourism contributing nearly $379 million, officials fear the changes could lead to demolition by neglect, accelerate loss of character-defining architecture, and disproportionately impact smaller towns like Ōamaru. flag Critics say the government’s analysis is flawed, data is inconsistent, and the requirement for full retrofits—rather than partial upgrades—creates unsustainable financial burdens. flag They urge reconsideration to preserve Dunedin’s heritage and economic resilience. flag The select committee’s report is due June 16.

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