Public invited to lecture by earthquake engineering expert

Invercargill Deputy Mayor Darren Ludlow is encouraging people with an interest in the preservation of old buildings to attend a lecture by earthquake engineering expert Win Clark.

Mr Clark, a noted consultant engineer, with expertise in the strengthening of old buildings, will speak in Invercargill on 12 November.

Cr Ludlow said the Canterbury earthquakes had brought the issue of unsupported masonry buildings into sharp relief across New Zealand

“One of the things that makes Invercargill special is the large number of heritage buildings in our city centre, but we also need to make sure that our unsupported masonry buildings, in particular, are safe.

“The Royal Commission into the Canterbury earthquakes has still to complete its findings, but will no doubt have some advice for us in this regard when their report is released.

“In the meantime, the Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust are bringing Win Clark to Invercargill to speak to building owners and all others who have an interest in this vitally important issue.”

Mr Clark will explain why masonry buildings fall in earthquakes and how practical it is to strengthen them.

All are welcome to attend the talk, which is to be held at Centre Stage Theatre on Monday 12 November from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm, Cr Ludlow said.