Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson and Masterton Trust Lands Trust chairwoman Leanne Southey at the handover ceremony. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Masterton District Council will soon have most of their staff under one roof again, after a blessing to mark the official handing over of Waiata House on Lincoln Rd on Thursday.
The council purchased the building from Masterton Trust Lands Trust in 2017 for $4 million.
The building was found to be earthquake prone and the deal was not completed until strengthening work had been carried out by the Trust last year.
A code of compliance certificate was issued on January 30, allowing the council to take possession of Waiata House.
Council chief executive Kath Ross said, “I’m personally looking forward to having many of our Council teams working under one roof again and the benefits this will bring for our staff culture.
“It has been challenging having staff spread across six offices in the town centre – coming together as one team again offers great opportunities.”
Built in 2013 and with a floor size of 1400 square metres, Waiata House is one of Masterton’s largest buildings.
Ross said the customer-facing council teams would remain at 161 Queen St as the location was “known and easily accessible”.
