Recent studies on non-structural elements (NSEs) in New Zealand have found that there is
insufficient knowledge about the seismic performance of NSEs and particularly how this
performance impacts their primary function in the building. The repair cost of these elements
is also typically the main contributor to the total repair cost of buildings for both minor and major
earthquakes. Observations from recent earthquakes have shown that the performance
expectations of NSEs are often not being met or there is misalignment between structural and
non-structural performance. A recent study identified the urgent need for a National Seismic
Qualification Framework for NSEs.