Westland District Council closes two Hokitika buildings over earthquake risk
The closures affect council offices, the district library and tourist information centre. In-person services are disrupted while staff arrange alternative accommodation.
Westland District Council has closed two buildings on Weld Street in Hokitika, New Zealand, after reviewing seismic information. The council says the buildings are unsuitable for staff and public occupancy; the closures affect its main office, the Westland District Library and the Hokitika tourist information centre.
Which Hokitika buildings and services are affected?
The council says it closed 36 Weld Street on 29 September to seek further information, then decided after reviewing engineering advice to vacate the Pakiwaitara building at 41 Weld Street effective 13 October. Both buildings will remain closed indefinitely while the council consults the community about their future.
The council says reception and tourist information services are closed for two days, in-person library service is temporarily closed, and the AA service is suspended for a month. Online services remain available. Staff are working remotely while alternative accommodation is arranged, RNZ reports. RNZ says a report will go to an extraordinary council meeting on Wednesday for councillors to decide the next steps.
Sources and context
- Quake risk shuts down two Hokitika buildings, including council officesRNZ
- Update of Council BuildingsWestland District Council
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