Insurance won't cover Wellington library fix - mayor

Tuesday, 28 May 2019, 12:59 pm
Article: RNZ

Wellingtonians are on the hook to strengthen or demolish the city's central library, with the city's mayor conceding insurers are not liable for the cost.

Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp

A new pop-up library is opening today, nine weeks after the central library was closed when it was deemed earthquake-prone. Its floors are at risk of falling down in a big quake.

Wellington central library was shut overnight
in March. Photo: RNZ / Kymberlee Fernandes

Mayor Justin Lester said because that earthquake rating was a result of how it was built and designed, rather than of damage, insurers would not be liable.

"There is no insurance claim on this building. There's been no structural damage to the building, any damage that occurred after 2016 was superficial and that was all fixed," he said.

Councillors would be briefed on whether to strengthen or demolish the central library within a fortnight, Mr Lester said.

Meanwhile, the city's first pop-up library branch opens today.

Arapaki will have about 7500 items on its shelves, with another 5000 nearby - and close to 200,000 available throughout the branch network.

It does not quite match the 350,000 items at the now shut central library, but councillors and librarians say it's a good start.

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ