The whole Tairāwhiti Region has been “designated” under the Building Act 2004 to help manage ongoing risks to people from buildings affected by land instability and flooding following the severe weather event on 21-22 January 2026.
The decision to designate the region was made by the Mayor of Gisborne District Council on 27 January 2026 and took effect from that date.
The designated area extends across the entire Tairāwhiti region.
The designation will be reviewed once Rapid Building Assessments are completed and every 90 days by Gisborne District Council to confirm that the powers conferred by the designation are required to manage the response and recovery.
The designation may remain in place until 26 January 2029, unless terminated earlier.