MSD building safe after mould spore ‘fogging’

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) staff will remain based at the Tangata Rite building in Lowe Street after low levels of mould spores were successfully managed or mitigated.

Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti recently confirmed their staff had been removed from the Peel Street side of the building because of elevated levels of mould spores.

MSD regional commissioner for East Coast Karen Bartlett said testing had been done.

“We’ve fogged affected areas, which removes and spores in the air.

“Fogging uses a non-toxic, non-chemical, citrus-based botanical product.

“An ongoing testing and mitigation programme is in place to ensure the building remains safe for clients and staff.

“The health and safety of our clients, their whānau and our people are our top priority.

“We have no confirmation that any illness has arisen specifically out of this situation.”

Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti interim group director of operations, hospital and specialist services Anne Aitcheson previously told The Herald that a small number of staff reported an increase in respiratory conditions.

Mould spores had returned and it was decided that the Te Whatu Ora part of the building, formerly occupied by the police, would be permanently closed.

That impacted about 70 staff working in services such as community mental health and addictions services, Wellchild and public health.

Ms Bartlett said MDS was planning to move to another building by the end of the year and the public would be informed closer to the time.

“We have been seeking to move for some time and a building has become available.”