Advocates for heritage art deco buildings in Napier say the country could lose a major tourism drawcard if the Government doesn't help owners quake-strengthern their buildings.
The Napier City Council has released a list of 180 quake-prone buildings that it says do not reach the required level of the new building code. The list includes some art deco buildings built after the Napier earthquake of 1931.
Art Deco Trust general manager Sally Jackson says the buildings have made Napier world-famous and owners need support from central and local government to preserve them. She says they need help in finding new, cost-effective ways to ensure the buildings comply with the code.
Ms Jackson says the council has already hired a heritage planner to help.
