Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ)
12 November 2025 – RBNZ’s Wellington building has been temporarily closed to allow for an isolated asbestos disturbance to be remediated.
On Thursday 6 November, as part of a routine building-wide survey of asbestos material, an isolated disturbance of asbestos was identified at 2 The Terrace. The area was contained and the finding was reported to Worksafe. Coincidentally, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake also closed the building that evening for air quality monitoring to be completed.
Assurance testing has since been completed, however the building needs to remain closed while the asbestos disturbance is remediated, as fire sprinkler systems on a key emergency exit floor need to be deactivated.
The health and safety of our staff and tenants is a priority. Therefore, the building has been closed while remediation works take place, which could take until November 24.
RBNZ does not anticipate any impact on our services. Business continuity plans have been activated and are currently operational, including through staff working from the RBNZ’s Auckland premises.
RBNZ’s Wellington building contains encapsulated asbestos and planning for refurbishment of 2 The Terrace is underway, in line with our 2024/2028 Statement of Intent. Further information on progress of this project is detailed in our 2025 Annual Report.
2024/2028 Statement of Intent: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=5228815309&e=f3c68946f8
2025 Annual Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=ce5a8728cb&e=f3c68946f8
