Design firm investigation bid

The engineer whose firm designed the CTV building could face an investigation by the industry body and be banned from ever working again if complaints to his professional body are upheld.

A copy of the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission report into the six-storey Christchurch office block's collapse in the February 22 earthquake has been given to the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand.

Some angry CTV families have lodged a complaint with IPENZ to have Dr Alan Reay investigated.

Dr Reay's firm Alan Reay Consultants Ltd designed the Madras St building that came down in the magnitude-6.3 quake, killing 115 people.

The royal commission report into the disaster criticises Dr Reay for giving his inexperienced engineer David Harding the task of coming up with its design in 1986.

Dr Reay is also fingered for not reviewing the design plans and for playing a part in the city council wrongfully signing off a building permit.

Brian Kennedy, spokesman for support group Quake Families, confirmed that some families want IPENZ to probe Dr Reay's fitness to practise.

Mr Kennedy also believed there was a "distinct possibility" that the Department of Building and Housing may also put a complaint in about Dr Reay.

"There's a belief that he should be held accountable for what has happened," Mr Kennedy, whose wife Faye died in the collapse, said.

"IPENZ has delayed answering the complaint until this report has been released.

"[Some families] believe that everything that was put down on paper has been vindicated by the commission, so ... come on boys, do your thing."

Tim Elms, whose 40-year-old daughter Teresa McLean was killed, said IPENZ had an "obligation" to read the report.

IPENZ declined to comment on any complaints but chief executive Dr Andrew Cleland described the royal commission report as "comprehensive and detailed".

"The engineering community is already working hard to apply the lessons that have been learnt from the collapse of the CTV building, and from the Canterbury earthquakes more generally - the report of the royal commission is a important part of this evolution," Dr Cleland said.

IPENZ was also undertaking a review of its code of ethics.

As the registration authority for the Chartered Professional Engineer's Act, IPENZ receives and processes complaints about the incompetence, negligence or unethical practices of engineers.

Disciplinary offences can result in the engineer's registration being removed, and/or fines and costs being imposed.

"The focus of the complaints process is on the engineering activities of the engineer and not the outcome of the work itself," said IPENZ deputy chief executive Dr Nicki Crauford.

"The complaints process is independent and confidential. In the interests of natural justice IPENZ does not identify individuals concerned, or make any comment on specific cases. However, if a complaint is upheld, the Disciplinary Committee may determine a degree of public disclosure, as appropriate."