A North Canterbury council office building has been closed and sealed off from the public after asbestos was found.
It was discovered during renovations of Hurunui District Council's Amberley office on Wednesday.
The reception area, the mayor and chief executive's offices and the council chambers were all found to be contaminated.
Council spokeswoman Naomi Woodham said asbestos removers had assessed the building and estimated it would take between four and six weeks to remove the asbestos.
She said the asbestos would be wrapped and sealed before being sent for disposal.
Ms Woodham said the office's refurbishment would recommence after the asbestos had been removed, but some staff would be working from the Hurunui Memorial Library in the mean time.
