Engineers and builders say recommendations for strengthening building standards need to be implemented as soon as possible.
The first part of the report from the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission has 70 proposals, including standards for concrete and steel structures and training for structural engineers.
The Society for Earthquake Engineering says the recommendations are not major but are important.
It says the report calls for discussion and research into vital matters such as national guidelines on ground improvements.
The Master Builders' Federation says those designing buildings now will need to take note of the suggestions or they may face delays.
Chief executive Warwick Quinn says discussion about these vital matters needs to happen quickly.
