4 pm update

Level four and all levels below that are open and operational, excluding the basement. That means that levels four, three, two, one, the mezzanine, and the ground floor at Rutherford House are available as usual. This will also be the case tomorrow, Thursday 3 June.

Lifts are operating to the floors that are open.

12 noon update

There was a small fire on level 11 of Rutherford House early this morning. The fire activated the building’s sprinkler system causing water damage on a number of floors. There is also some smoke damage and power is off on upper levels of the building.

Levels four, three, two, one, the mezzanine and the ground floor at Rutherford House are available as usual.

Lifts are currently unavailable in the building, but we are working to reinstate them to the floors that are open. Students with disabilities who need assistance should contact Disability Services.

Level 5 and above are currently unavailable while clean up and assessment works are undertaken. This will be the status for at least the next 48 hours.

No exams scheduled to be held in Rutherford House should be impacted at this stage.

Pipitea Fitness is closed for the next 48 hours, but the Kelburn campus recreation facilities remain open.

Mauri Ora (Student Health and Counselling) is open in Rutherford House. Unless you have been contacted by Student Health, you can attend your appointment as planned.

Our Digital Solutions team can help anyone who is having trouble accessing University systems remotely. You can contact them via email or by calling (04) 463 5050.

Vic Books café and bookstore in Rutherford House is open.

8 am update

Levels three and upwards will remain closed today for damage assessment and clean-up. All staff who usually work in Rutherford House are asked to work from home or another location today.

However, the ground, first, second and mezzanine floors will be open as will Pipitea Fitness in the Basement. This provides student spaces and access to the library. Lectures and events scheduled in spaces on the ground, first, second and mezzanine floors can take place as usual. Vic Books will also be operating as normal.

7.10 am update

Rutherford House is closed following a small fire on one of the upper levels of the building early this morning. Water and smoke damage are being assessed. Staff should work from home or another location and students should stay away until we know if any student spaces can be made available. We will keep you updated on this page.