Another central Wellington office building was evacuated today, after earthquake damage was discovered during an invasive engineering inspection.
The IRD building on Hawkestone Street in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp
IRD spokesperson Pete van Schaardenberg said nearly 500 staff were sent home from the Inland Revenue Department's building at 12 Hawkestone Street this afternoon.
The building was one of 80 where the Wellington City Council ordered new, more comprehensive checks in the wake of November's severe magnitude-7.8 earthquake.
Mr van Schaardenberg said that engineering work took place over the weekend, and a report was filed by the engineers early this afternoon.
He said it showed some damage to a couple of the pre-cast concrete floors, and, as a consequence, the building was evacuated as a precautionary measure.
He said remedial work was required.
Wellington City Council recovery manager Mike Mendonca said there were no concerns about public safety.
Mr Mendonca said he would be interested to receive the engineering report by Friday.
