The Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission will not reopen in response to a media report that the construction manager of the Canterbury Television building stole the identity of a professional engineer and faked a university degree.
Gerald Morton Shirtcliff, 67, who supervised the construction of the CTV building, in 1970 stole the identity of English engineer William Anthony Fisher, with whom he worked in South Africa, The Press reported on Saturday.
The CTV building collapsed in the February 22 earthquake in Christchurch last year, killing 115 people.
"The Royal Commission wishes to confirm the hearing into the performance of the CTV building is complete.
"During this hearing matters relating to the construction of the CTV building were well canvassed," the commission said.
Mr Shirtcliff told the commission last month he had limited involvement with the 1986 project. He claimed to be a graduate engineer.
Mr Shirtcliff, who is denying the allegations and communicating through his lawyer, reportedly used Mr Fisher's degree to gain entry to a masters course at the University of New South Wales in 1971 and to become a member of the Australian Institute of Engineers.
He has lived in Australia as Mr Fisher for more than 25 years. The real Mr Fisher is now retired and lives in England.
News home