16 Nov 2010

Commune gets more time to fix buildings

7:46 am on 16 November 2010

A well-known but rundown commune in Coromandel has been been given a reprieve by the district council.

Thames-Coromandel council on Monday deferred court action against Wilderland Trust until February so trustees can bring 13 buildings up to standard.

The Wilderland commune was established in 1964 on 64 hectares of land on the Whitianga Estuary.

The council says the trust must vacate the affected buildings within 14 days and provide a detailed schedule of works by 13 December.

Chief executive Steve Ruru says he is confident the buildings will be upgraded, but the council has reserved the right to return to court.

Mr Ruru says it is believed commune residents will stay in caravans while buildings are upgraded.