Money to help with earthquake strengthening is a relief for some Wellington building owners, but it's not enough.

This from councillor Iona Pannett following the release of a $12 million government fund to help private owners strengthen their heritage buildings.

There's 659 buildings in Wellington on the council's earthquake strengthening list.

Councillor Pannett said owners need more help from the government to meet strengthening deadlines.

"They need to be saying 'look, that's actually an expense that you can write off against your tax', for a limited period, to make sure we can get those buildings over the line."