By Emma Jolliff
One of Wellington's landmark buildings has been evacuated because of earthquake risk.
The old Wellington Workingmen's Club building in Cuba Mall, which is now home to Whitireia Polytechnic, has been strengthened and renovated but its facade was found to be potentially dangerous in a shake.
And, as students and staff were packing up to leave, a 4.2 magnitude quake hit the capital.
When journalism students turned up this morning they were told, pack your things and get out within 20 minutes.
"Our tutor came in and said he had good news and bad news, and the good news was we got to finish class early for the year, and the bad news was that the building's earthquake-prone," says Tennessee Mansford.
"I was just kind of like shocked because I thought it had been earthquake-proofed," says student Alice.
Then, while students and staff were packing, a 4.2 magnitude quake struck – the second jolt in a week.
"A few people who were leisurely packing definitely moved a bit faster," says student Kaye.
Two doors down, James Smith has brought his business up from Christchurch after it was damaged in the February quake.
"I've been through one big earthquake and the facade did fall off my building and we stayed inside the building, which is what I'm going to do if there is another earthquake," he says.
"I won't be running outside in a hurry that's for sure."
Formerly the Wellington Working Men's Club, the Whitireia building was built 100 years ago.
"Now to find out that it's not safe and that we've been working in the building all this time is very disappointing," says Samantha Ives.
But exact details about the risk from the CEO were scant.
"My understanding is that our floor is ok, it's been strengthened, not sure about the bottom floor and the top floor and the façade," says Don Campbell, Whitireia CEO.
It's a decorative façade that's one of many along Cuba St, and is next to a children's playground.
"We would be worried about all facades," says city councillor Iona Pannett.
"Some of the work that can be done to be secured can be relatively inexpensive, so that's quite positive."
Mr Campbell told 3 News about $600,000 of strengthening work is required before the students can return to the building next year.
3 News