The demolition of a block of shops gutted by fire in Dargaville has been delayed.
The blaze on Monday evening destroyed six shops on the Northland town's main street.
Work on clearing the site is now expected to begin on Monday, when qualified people are available to remove the debris.
Kaipara District mayor Neil Tiller says it will take about two weeks to clean up the area affected by the asbestos and up to a month for the whole site to be cleared.
Mr Tiller says Victoria Street will remain closed until the asbestos is removed, but there is a chance one lane of traffic may be opened after a few days.
