Kaitāia’s Hike and Bike hostel has closed, with the owner applying to have it as a residential building only following major issues with getting the hostel’s fire alarm signed off.
Far North District Council ordered Hike and Bike owner David Fisher to close the hostel in early June after it issued a dangerous building notice following Fisher repeatedly turning off its fire alarms.
Initially, Fisher said despite issues with getting the fire alarm system and building approved - and admitting turning the system off - he wouldn’t close. Fisher said that would leave 10-12 tenants out on the street.
The council issued the notice at the start of June, with Kevin Johnson, group manager of delivery and operations, saying it was due to the building owner turning off the fire alarm. As a result, Johnson said, no independent qualified person (IQP) will inspect the building and issue a building warrant of fitness (BWOF).
“Without fire safety compliance, the building is deemed to be dangerous. A notice confirming this has been fixed to the building entrance.