11 November 2020
Robert Whitaker
By email:
[FYI request #13834 email]
Tēnā koe Robert
I refer to your requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the
Act) dated
17 September 2020:
“Please provide to me any documentation relating to the potential renovation,
repair or demolition of the Gordon Wilson and McLean flats buildings in
Wellington, owned by Victoria University.
I am interested in any reports, memos or other documents that include any
assessment of the viability and cost of resolving the buildings’ problems and/or
their demolition to allow them to be re-occupied or replaced.”
In 2016, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington sought a private plan
change relating to the land at 320 The Terrace and the Gordon Wilson Building. All
documentation relating to this application is publicly available
on Wellington City
Council’s website.
The University is in the process of lodging a resource consent application for a staged
development on the site. More information about the proposed development is publicly
available
here.
The University will release all information relating to this application as soon as it is
lodged. This will include information as to the potential renovation, repair or demolition
of the Gordon Wilson and MacLean Flats buildings. Accordingly, the University is
refusing your request under section 18(d) of the Act on the basis that the requested
information will soon be publicly available.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact me
at
[VUW request email].
Yours sincerely
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington