These guidelines are to assist New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association / Te Wehengarua (PPTA) members in schools where one or more buildings are deemed an earthquake risk. They incorporate the experiences of Christchurch members in 2010 and 2011. PPTA’s earthquake recovery taskforce keeps a watching brief on school building earthquake risk assessments and will update these guidelines as needed.
Schools are being identified as having buildings which are unsafe in the event of an earthquake
The Ministry of Education, school boards and local government authorities have been more actively assessing the earthquake risk of school buildings throughout New Zealand.
This has resulted in school buildings being deemed unsafe for staff and students. At 9 July 2011 23 primary and secondary schools in the Wellington region alone were identified as having buildings assessed as unsafe in an earthquake. More schools are likely to be identified as these assessements continue.
PPTA Branches/members should email details of new school building earthquake assessments or related concerns to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . PPTA will use the information to assist members and branches.
Requirements for alternative classroom spaces when buildings have been assessed as an earthquake risk.
The first priority must be the health and safety of staff and students.
The branch/member must respect any assessment by a registered engineer and work actively with management to source alternative classroom space and ensure that any new classrooms are fit for their subject/purpose.
Spaces must be 'fit for purpose'
The school’s health and safety representative has an important role in assessing new classroom space for current and potential hazards, e.g. ensuring a temporary classroom for chemistry lessons has appropriate ventilation and equipment. Trained health and safety representatives have the ability to issue formal notices if an employer fails to take all practical steps to isolate and minimise hazards.
Consultation must take place regarding timetables for the use of alternative spaces
Clause 5.1A of the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (STCA) requires consultation around a school’s timetable policy. This will be useful if management propose members move into unsuitable teaching space, e.g. to teach hard and soft materials in a prefabricated classroom with carpet and limited power points. Clause 5.1A is a reminder that boards and management must consult with teachers over timetable matters.
Clause 5.1A of the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (STCA) Timetabling policy
Teachers teach. Removal specialists relocate classroom equipment and resources.
Members are employed as teachers to deliver the national curriculum and undertake pastoral care duties. They are not employed as removal specialists for furniture, equipment and resources.Checklist for earthquake-prone buildings and requests to relocate
Checklist for earthquake-prone buildings and requests to relocate
The attached checklist is an easy to use tool if faced with classroom closure or a request to relocate. The board and school management can also use the checklist to assess decision making processes around classroom closures.
Checklist for earthquake-prone buildings and requests to relocate
Further assistance
0800 PPTA HELP (0800 77824357)
Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
PPTA field officers can advocate for branches if there are industrial issues as a result of classroom closure or temporary relocation.
Contact your PPTA Field Office
