Diesel seeps through ceiling, sparks evacuation

Queenstown's council building and library have been evacuated after diesel leaked from a tank and contaminated ceilings, walls and floors.

The building has been closed while firefighters and contractors attend to the spill, which was discovered by staff at 7.30am.

Council corporate services general manager Meaghan Miller said the diesel had leaked through the ceiling to the main office level, and then down to the library.

"Carpets and walls in some sections are saturated by diesel."

Once the diesel was cleaned up, the odour would then need to be dealt with.

However, staff would be able to work from other council offices today, and the phone system would continue to function, she said.