"[Ngai Tahu Property] notified us late last year they were looking at putting the property on the market, so we’ve been looking for new premises since then," finance, technology and commercial general manager Matt Kenny said.
"We’ve been talking with a number of people — Ministry of Education, developers, real estate agents, people who staff know. We’re certainly not just sitting there hoping, that’s for sure."
He is amenable to various options, be it leasing or owning property, or having something built it would then lease back.
Mr Kenny said for about four years Plunket had been talking to the Whakatipu Community Hub Charitable Trust, which is planning a hub at Frankton’s Five Mile for various community organisations.
"That’s been something we’ve been hoping would be built before we needed to move out of Henry St, but look, that hasn’t materialised yet. I hope it does, I hope they find the money."
He said it would be helpful if the new owner takes two to three years before firming up any redevelopment plans.
"There’ll be a solution there for us."
Plunket was already using Frankton’s St Margaret’s Church for "well child" visits, "which has gone really well".
— Philip Chandler
