High Commission building to get a facelift

The historic building housing our High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand is to get a much needed facelift.
The building is in Mulgrave Street in Thorndon. It occupies a corner site across the street from Wellington Girls College.
Chairman of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), Tapi Taio made the announcement on Tuesday morning. He told the Herald that tenders had been called for the refurbishment of the building.
Taio was in Wellington last week along with CIIC Property manager Annie Taoro for discussions with the Wellington City Council regarding the work to be undertaken.
The building was bought by the government in 1993 and is in dire need of a facelift. Taio said the building has been declared to be of historic significance and it cannot be structurally altered in any way.
The building was built in 1875 and altered in 1909. In 1963 it was taken over by the NZ Government and was used by a variety of government agencies including the Children and Young Persons Court. In 1993 it was bought by the Cook Islands Government.
“The exterior badly needs painting, but the building is basically sound,” said Taio, adding,” The interior is in good condition.”
“Surrounded on two sides by high-rise buildings, this heritage building, when restored to its former elegance, will be a building we can all be proud of,” said Taio,” We are working closely with the Wellington City Council to faithfully restore it.”
Taio explained that the funds had always been there to do the work but the tender process was a slow one. The Historic nature of the building meant that Council’s strict requirements had to be met. For instance, an Architect approved by the Council had to be engaged and at least three tenders sought from Council approved companies to undertake the work.
Repairs are needed inside and out, the carpet needs to be replaced and electrical wiring and fire safety checks done.
Taio said the MFEM Tender Committee had to vet the tender process as the work will cost more than $30,000.
It is hoped the work will be completed in two to three months time. The High Commission will remain open during the work.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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