The Otago Daily Times reported yesterday the council had reported the theft of a building from Dunback Domain at Labour Weekend.
In a report to the Waihemo Community Board this week, council assets operation manager Josh Rendell said council officers were informed on October 24 one of the Dunback Boys’ Brigade buildings, which were scheduled for demolition, had been removed from the site without council approval.
The removal of property from council facilities without permission was considered theft.
The council had previously sought submissions from the public to buy and remove the buildings but had not received any interest.
Council staff undertaking investigatory works prior to demolition found the buildings contained asbestos.
Inspection of the site showed there had been contamination during the unapproved removal, so a cleanup would need to be undertaken.
Waitaki district councillor Jim Thomson, the Waihemo ward representative, said one building and the roof of the other building had been taken.
The theft had saved the council some money, as it was planning to demolish the building.
A photo had been taken of one of the vehicles involved in the theft of the building, which had led to the council identifying the culprits, who had been made aware of the asbestos.
The council was not considering laying a complaint with police.
It is believed the building had now been moved to Dunedin City Council jurisdiction, just over the boundary with Waitaki District Council.
They are pre-fabricated buildings, used in World War 2, easily put up and dismantled.
