17 Sep 2014

CTV designer to face hearing

6:12 pm on 17 September 2014

The disciplinary hearing against the lead designer of the CTV building will proceed after a decision today from the High Court in Christchurch.

Rescue workers at the ruins of the CTV building in February 2011.

Rescue workers at the ruins of the CTV building in February 2011. Photo: AFP / USAR

Structural engineer David Harding designed it in 1986, despite the fact he had never before worked on a multi-storey building.

The central city building collapsed during the February 2011 earthquake, killing 115 people.

Mr Harding resigned his membership of the Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand this year just before a disciplinary hearing was about to get under way.

Ipenz decided to proceed, but Mr Harding's lawyers asked for a judicial review.

This was today rejected by Justice Mander, who said Ipenz had a right to hear complaints against Mr Harding because these were received while he was still a member.

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