"Our operational requirements in terms of fit and occupancy have changed which means the building is no longer suitable as a DOC Te Tai Poutini Western South Island Regional office," says Operations Director Mark Davies.
"We are still absolutely committed to having our regional office in Hokitika. However, we will now be looking for office space which better suits our needs."
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga has confirmed this will not impact on its work to seismically strengthen and upgrade the Category One heritage listed building.
A formal letter from DOC to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga confirming the decision was tabled at a Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga council meeting on 20 October.
Mark Davies says DOC has begun the search for more appropriate premises to tenant. The Department currently has staff in three buildings in Hokitika and also occupies a workshop site.
In 2020, through the Government's COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, allocated by the Infrastructure Reference Group Ministers, $22 million of funding was approved for refurbishment of this historic building.
