Queenstown-based council property service manager Dan Egerton said the cracked damage to the brickwork of the Wanaka council offices was "superficial".
"It [the crack] in no way compromises the integrity of the building in the slightest," he said.
Mr Egerton said he inspected the building himself on August 30 and there was no concern "at all, not an inkling" about any potential building risk.
Engineers had inspected the building this week.
There was no risk to any council staff working in the Wanaka office.
"We've got no idea of the expenditure needed to fix it. It is not expected to be substantial," Mr Egerton said.
He could not understand why "such a big fuss" was being made about a crack, "which can happen to 90% of buildings with similar extensions".
The crack had opened up in brickwork about five years ago, along a join where an office extension has been added on to the Ardmore St council buildings, he said.
Lakes Property Services Ltd managing-director, Joanne Conroy, brought the cracked building to the attention of councillors at a finance and corporate accountability meeting in Queenstown on Tuesday.
