Council Trials Extended Closure over Christmas

Council has decided to trial an extended closure period for its Headquarters Building in Thames Street this Christmas. The building will close to the public at mid-day on Thursday 24 December 2009 and re-open again on Monday 11 January 2010.

“The week immediately after New Year is traditionally a quiet period for us” said CEO Michael Ross“. This initiative will save the cost of employing temporary staff during the normal year. It seems an ideal time to allow staff to catch up on other important behind the scenes work or, alternatively, use their accumulated annual leave.

Our Council operated facilities, such as the Library, Museum, Forrester Gallery and Aquatic Centre and the Waihemo Service Centre will not be affected, and will be open during this extended period. Full 24 hours/7 days customer services will be provided via our After Hours call service, and a limited number of staff will be on call.

Traditionally, Council Headquarters has closed for the three days between Christmas and New Year.

HR Manager Maree Thompson stated “We are aware that some staff find it difficult to take a decent break during the year. This presents an opportunity to have an extended period of leave without too much disruption to the public.”

Some staff will still be at work during this period catching up on numerous work projects. The extended closure will be reviewed next year and a decision made whether to continue with the practice.