A call for a rethink on rules around quake-prone buildings.

Currently owners in high risk areas have between seven and a half to 15 years to strengthen or demolish their quake-prone buildings.

In low risk areas the period extends out to 25 years.

But United Future Leader Peter Dunne believes the time frames need to be accelerated because of the level of exposure we've had to earthquakes in the past five to six years.

He said GNS has made the point we've had 50 years of abnormally calm times and are now reverting to what's been a more normal seismic pattern.

"That suggests that more seismic activity's likely, which suggests the level of risks to buildings is greater than we might previously have thought. So I think those time frames do need to be revisited."

Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith said the Government's view is the current rules are well thought through.

"So no change, but I'd also say that the most powerful driver for earthquake upgrades across New Zealand is the desire of the tenants, and the building owners, to actually be able to secure a rental income."

Mr Dunne is also calling New Zealand First's suggestion for Government departments to be moved out of the capital, because of the earthquake risk, populist drivel.

"Where else would you go? Every other region, bar one or two exceptions, has some degree of risk associated with it so it's a silly idea in that perspective."

Mr Dunne said these days many Government services are delivered digitally so the physical location of offices is far less important than the capacity to access a service online