'I might have to walk away': Small towns can't afford seismic work

Some owners of heritage buildings in regional centres are preparing to hand over the keys and abandon their properties because they can't afford the cost of earthquake strengthening.

Under current legislation, buildings assessed as earthquake-prone are required to get seismic strengthening work done before a deadline set by council.  

Many buildings in regions considered high risk have as little as seven years to complete the upgrades.

Kathryn speaks to Damien Spittal, the owner of an unscheduled heritage building on the main street of Dannevirke, and Scott Flutey, the Heritage Advisor for Whanganui District Council.