Maggot infestation causes WINZ closure

A maggot infestation in a West Auckland Work and Income office forced its temporary closure yesterday, proving a hassle for community clients.

The Glen Eden community was warned of maggots dropping from the Glenmall Community Link’s rotting ceiling on social media on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Social Development said they closed the office on Tuesday afternoon as soon as the pest issue was made apparent by staff.

Yesterday staff worked out of the Waitakere and New Lynn branches and the clients normally referred to Glenmall were redirected to these offices.

Glen Eden community member Cassie Keene said the redirection to other offices for a day was definitely an inconvenience.

“I have to take papers to Henderson now instead and I don’t have transport.”

The Ministry of Social Development spokesperson said there was no other option than to close the office in this instance.

“Of course any matter of inconvenience to clients would be regretted, but when you have an issue like that you really have to think of health and safety.”

The spokesperson said they have been conducting “urgent pest control work” before the branch will re-open on Thursday morning.

The Ministry of Social Development said they value the health and safety of its staff and ensure that this is an isolated case.

“This is entirely a one site related matter . . . It is not an issue beyond that one place.”