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Prime Minister John Key - Source: ONE News -
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A Royal Commission of Inquiry will be held into last month's Christchurch earthquake, Prime Minister John Key has announced.
The inquiry will look into the building environment in the Christchurch CBD including, but not limited to, the CTV and PGC buildings, as well as the adequacy of building codes.
Key said the commission will be determined to get answers into why the CTV and PGC buildings collapsed.
"So many lives have been lost as a result of the February 22 earthquake that we must find answers, particularly about why such a significant loss of life occurred in two buildings," Key said.
"We are determined to get those answers, and I believe that this Royal Commission, along with the technical investigation by DBH, will do that."
The Royal Commission will be chaired by Justice Mark Cooper, a sitting High Court judge.
Two other commissioners will also be appointed, and terms of reference will be finalised in consultation with the Chair.
"This independent investigation is a vital step in rebuilding public confidence in the future of the Christchurch CBD," Key said.
"It is important that the reasons for the severity of the damage to certain buildings and consequent loss of life are understood as soon as possible."
Key said Cabinet will request that the Royal Commission provide an interim report-back in approximately six months.
He said the report will include any recommendations that may be relevant to the construction of new buildings in the Christchurch CBD.
The final report is expected to be delivered in approximately 12 months.
Attorney-General Chris Finlayson will have administrative responsibility for the inquiry.
