Maintenance issues force closure of Colombo Hall

Colombo Hall will be closed for semester two. Photo / Massey University  

One of the most popular hall options on Palmy’s campus will be forced to close for semester two due to a water boiler issue — and no reopening date is confirmed.  

According to a former residential assistant (RA) who Massive spoke to on the condition of anonymity, the hall is scheduled to close due to hot water problems. 

The hall has 70 fully furnished rooms which have all been evacuated. 

The source said, “The hot water boiler had a breakage of sorts, and it seems like maintenance will need a long time to fix it, ergo everyone being moved after winter break.” 

National manager accommodation services, Kelly Manning, said all residents have been relocated to other on-campus halls.  

Residents who feel their needs cannot be meet have been offered to apply to be released from their accommodation contracts, with all penalty fees waived. 

Manning said, “We have done our best to honour preferences regarding hall type, social groupings, room configurations, and proximity to support services”.  

Manning said the necessary repair work involves a full boiler replacement, including the boiler being sourced from overseas.  

“We do not yet have confirmed start and end dates for the works.” 

The hall has provided letters of support for impaired performance applications to any student who feels their academic performance was impacted by the announcement. 

Colombo Hall is the only one that prohibits alcohol within its premises, a feature that has been increasingly popular amongst newcomers. 

Manning said the university is unable to reclassify other halls as alcohol-free.  

The hall is also the most accessible one as the bottom floor has six rooms available for students with physical disabilities that need wheelchair access.  

Manning said they had not received any disclosures from residents requiring accessibility-specific accommodation.  

“We remain committed to supporting our students through this transition to ensure their wellbeing and continued academic success, and thank them for their patience.”