16 May 2018

Reserve Bank building evacuated after asbestos found

7:17 pm on 16 May 2018

Traces of asbestos found in the Reserve Bank building in Wellington, prompted an evacuation this afternoon.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

A Reserve Bank spokesperson, Angus Barclay, said the entire building was evacuated at 4pm as a precaution.

Yesterday people on level one were sent home after asbestos was found there.

Mr Barclay said an air test done on level one has since come back clear, but the whole building will be checked before staff can return.

He said the earliest staff might be able to return is Friday.