A construction-stage roof fire spread through layers and openings while the convention centre was being built. Fire and Emergency New Zealand published an investigation into origin, cause and spread.
Locate this case on the globe →Findings and evidence status
Probable ignition
The investigation identified inadvertent ignition of the cardboard core of a membrane roll during roof waterproofing as the probable cause.
Read the primary record ↗Construction-stage spread
The report examined the roof assembly, incomplete fire separations and openings present during construction.
Read the primary record ↗One case. Three lines of sight.
Questions for current buildings, inferred from this case. Check local requirements and the building’s actual condition.
Engineer
What fire separations and protection are incomplete at each construction stage, and how does the temporary strategy address the evolving roof assembly?
Fire protection contractor
Identify membrane materials, heat work, nearby combustible packaging and the condition of openings at the time of each task. Record controls and the handback.
Brigade
Does the current site plan show access, construction stage, temporary hazards and incomplete separations rather than only the finished design?
What has to connect
Stage-specific fire strategy; roof product information; work permits; temporary protection; daily site condition and close-out evidence.
Changes and response
The investigation supplies a detailed account for construction-stage fire planning. This archive has not identified a specific legislative amendment attributable to this fire.
Check current status ↗Reviewed 28 September 2026. Legal and inquiry status can change; use the linked authority for the latest position.