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Story: Active faults

Building near the Wellington Fault

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Building near the Wellington Fault

The central berm of California Drive in Totara Park, Upper Hutt, was designed for earthquake safety. If the Wellington Fault ruptures again in an earthquake, it is hoped that damage will be minimised because of the restriction on buildings and traffic along this section of the fault. The houses are built 20 metres back from either side of the centre traffic islands.

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GNS Science

Reference: CN34097

by Lloyd Homer

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How to cite this page

Eileen McSaveney, Active faults – Building on or near active faults, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/4360/building-near-the-wellington-fault (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 2 March 2009.