Owners of Christchurch buildings judged most at risk of earthquake damage might get only 20 years to strengthen them if proposed rules go ahead.

A Christchurch City Council hearings panel, which reviewed the city's earthquake policy, agreed time frames for different building types needed to be introduced.

However, it said minor, non-structural work that cost less than $50,000 would not trigger a full seismic assessment of any building.

A key panel recommendation was that all unreinforced masonry buildings be strengthened by 2032 – 10 years earlier than existing rules in some cases.

Panel chairwoman Cr Sue Wells said it needed to balance the economic cost of upgrading buildings to meet earthquake standards with public safety and preserving the city's building stock.

Buildings that needed to operate after an earthquake, such as hospitals and fire and ambulance stations, had the tightest 15-year time limit.

Wells stressed the time frames did not start until July 2012, when assessments would determine if buildings were earthquake-prone, their category and time frame.

The 2012 start date was linked to the next long-term council community plan review which would consider forming a seismic fund to support priority heritage and character-building owners.

BREAKING NEWS: A massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake has hit New Zealand's South Island, causing widespread damage and cutting power.

The quake was centred 30km west of Christchurch and 33m underground. It hit at 4.35am and there have been many reports of damage.

It was felt widely across the South Island, including Christchurch and Timaru, and there have also been reports of the quake being felt as far as Wellington. Several aftershocks have been felt.

Colleen Simpson said everyone was out in the street in their pyjamas looking scared and worried. There was no power and the mobile network was failing.

"Oh my God. There is a row of shops completely demolished right in front of me," she said.

Simpson and her young family were heading to her sister's house, where there was still power, so everyone could be together.

Kevin O'Hanlon, from Mairehau in Christchurch, said it was unbelievable.

"Just unbelievable. I was awake to go to work and then just heard this massive noise and, boom, it was like the house got hit. It just started shaking. I've never felt anything like it."

Christchurch Press chief reporter Kamala Hayman said power was out in many southern suburbs.

"The first shake tipped books and glasses off our shelves and we are still getting sizeable aftershocks."

Ryan Shaw, in Christchurch, said "TV fallen off cabinet, books, pot plants everywhere and I'm very shaken."

Roads around the seaside suburbs of New Brighton and Sumner are thronged with cars as worried residents flee any possible tsunami. There has been no tsunami alert issued.

Quoted:
Radio news was just saying something about looting there already.

BREAKING NEWS: A massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake has hit New Zealand's South Island, causing widespread damage and cutting power.

The quake was centred 30km west of Christchurch and 33m underground. It hit at 4.35am and there have been many reports of damage.

Quoted:


There's nothing to loot in NZ
 

Quoted:
Radio news was just saying something about looting there already.

Quoted:
Hopefully the Kiwis build for seismic events.

Quoted:
80 MPH winds?!