The former IRD office at the Napier Library. Photo / File
The former IRD office at the Napier Library. Photo / File
For the first time in a year and a half, Napier residents faced with taxing problems can now get face-to-face help from experts from Inland Revenue.
IRD on Wednesday officially opened its new office in Hawke's Bay.
Staff moved from offices in Napier's library building in June last year becauseof earthquake risks and moved in to smaller, temporary premises.
The 78 IRD staff had worked from home until November, when they moved into two temporary offices in Bower St, and Tennyson St.
They are now in new offices at 204 Hastings St, which were officially opened on Wednesday by local MP and Revenue Minister Stuart Nash.
Inland Revenue Deputy Commissioner Sharon Thompson said staff did a great job coping with a lack of office space in the temporary building and found new ways to provide over-the-counter services or to host meetings.
"Our local team continued to deliver a great service to local customers. They held meetings and solved taxpayers' queries in community hubs, cafes, libraries, in meeting rooms at local accountancy firms and in people's homes.
"During the 16 months in the previous building, customers made appointments with us through our contact centre. The Hastings St space has a new customer service area with staff on hand to help answer questions. It has meeting and seminar rooms and self-service portals directly linked to myIR online services.
"It's great to finally have a new home base in Hawke's Bay. But we'll definitely keep the community visits going and we won't be office-bound."
