Residents of Auckland's City Gardens Apartments are breathing a sigh of relief after their building passed a building inspection.
Residents of all 199 apartments faced the prospect of being kicked out at noon on Monday if the inspection wasn't passed.
Auckland Council sent in 15 inspectors just after 9am on Friday after issuing a Dangerous Building Notice a week ago.
Those inspections had found significant defects with the fire safety systems and FENZ staff were also on site today to help reach a decision. After the three-hour inspection they made a decision late this afternoon. "We're pleased to say that good progress has been made and that based on our observations this morning we believe the building to be no longer dangerous," said Auckland Council building consent manager Ian McCormick.
By that stage the body corporate had applied to MBIE for what's called a 'determination', another avenue to stave off the building's evacuation.
"So what it means for residents is two things: number one, they can stay in the building. Number two, they can stay with some confidence the building is safe for them and their families," said body corporate lawyer Tim Rainey.
But if anything this 'determination' has slowed the process because the council still needs certification.
But it's good news for residents, some of whom had bought cardboard to start boxing up their possessions.
"Relieved for now. We know we can stay and we don't have to get out in another 10 days or maybe by Monday so, yes, it is quite good for us," said one resident.
There's still red tape to be cut through but at least the residents of City Gardens can relax this weekend.
