The Te Anau transfer station will reopen on Monday 2 June, coinciding with the King’s Birthday public holiday. It will return to its normal winter hours, operating daily from 2pm to 4pm.
Southland District Council group manager Fran Mikulicic said, “We are opening on the stat day to allow people to get rid of material before they go back to work.”
The station was closed on 2 May after the tragic death of local woman Linda Kelly at the site. Investigations by Worksafe are still ongoing. However, it has been deemed safe enough to resume operations under standard winter scheduling.
“Our thoughts and sympathy continue to be with the family of Mrs Kelly as they try to deal with their loss,” said Ms Mikulicic. She also thanked the Fiordland community for their understanding and patience throughout the closure period.
In a separate update, Manapouri Hall has also reopened following asbestos safety work. Asbestos on an outside wall was safely contained by a licensed removal expert. The affected area was sealed, painted, and thoroughly cleaned, including the ground beneath it.
Council chief executive Cameron McIntosh confirmed the site had been inspected and received a clearance certificate, which will also be submitted to Worksafe.
The hall had been closed for a week while additional air monitoring and clean-up were carried out. “We are pleased to get the hall open as fast we could, and that people can feel safe using it,” Mr McIntosh said.
Air monitoring inside the hall and entrance ways detected no asbestos particles, and a second clearance certificate was issued for indoor safety.
Both facilities are now confirmed safe and ready for public use, marking a return to normal service for the community.