The Government has launched a new review designed to ensure earthquake-prone buildings are up to standard.

The current NBS system has run into controversy, with the inadequate review of a Wellington hospital unit sparking concerns.

Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says the current standards are very complicated - and he aims to make it easier for people.

"In a lot of cases, people simply can't afford to remediate, they're not necessarily allowed to do that in the way that they want or need, sometimes they can't even demolish it because of heritage status."

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