Westland District Council has closed two of its buildings, including the main council office, indefinitely due to earthquake risk. The decision follows an assessment that the structures pose a danger to public safety. The affected buildings are located in Hokitika, a town in New Zealand’s South Island.
The closure affects administrative services and local government operations. Council officials stated that the buildings will remain closed until a structural engineer confirms they are safe. No immediate plans for temporary relocation or alternative service locations were announced.
Hokitika has experienced seismic activity in the past, though no major earthquakes have been recorded recently. The decision to close the buildings comes amid ongoing discussions about infrastructure resilience in the region. Local authorities are reviewing long-term strategies to ensure public safety and continuity of services.
