The royal commission formed to investigate building failure in the Christchurch earthquakes is asking the New Zealand Government for an extension past its April final report deadline.

The Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission is currently investigating the failure of particular buildings but will wrap up the public hearings in late March when it examines new building technologies and the training of engineers and organisation of the engineering profession.

The commission’s terms of reference require it to deliver its final report by April 11, but it has asked for an extension to allow it to complete the hearings, which have taken longer than expected, and to write the report.

The report is expected to lead to changes in building codes across New Zealand.