The inquiry into the Christchurch earthquakes has received 62 expressions of interest from people wanting to participate.

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Building Failure Caused by the Canterbury Earthquakes was established after the February 22 quake and started work in May, with the aim of providing an interim report to the Government by October 11. The final report must be delivered by April 11, 2012.

The commissioners have said their findings will have implications for the entire country.

The key six issues to be considered are: New Zealand’s seismicity, buildings in the Christchurch CBD, best-practice requirements for CBD buildings, change of design standards and codes of practice, development of technical expertise in design and construction of seismic-resistant buildings, and future measures for new and existing buildings.

Those who have registered their interest include building owners, people who were trapped in buildings, bereaved families, academics and building professionals.

Organisations such as the Wellington City Council and NZ Historic Places Trust have also expressed interest, in a sign of how the findings might be applied beyond Canterbury province. The Christchurch City Council had not decided by the July 22 deadline whether it would participate.

The royal commission will receive reports from local and international technical experts on the performance and design of commercial buildings, new design and construction methods and soils and liquefaction. 

It has also sought information from emergency services and the Department of Building and Housing, which administers building regulations.

The commission says more than half the interested parties have information, photographs and video footage about buildings in the Christchurch CBD.