Herald on Sunday

‘Ghostly’ presence felt at DIA

Wellington Archives may have a spectre

- Tom Dillane

Ghosts have apparently infiltrate­d the Department of Internal Affairs, according to an online staff forum discussing the “haunting”, complete with photograph­ic evidence.

Numerous staff members describe paranormal activity in government buildings in an internal work forum — the discussion of which has been obtained through the Official Informatio­n Act.

Some may be forgiven for thinking staff have been watching too much Wellington Paranormal — the popular TVNZ 2 comedy show’s second season airs this week — as they describe “strange unexplaine­d occurrence­s”, calling the Ghostbuste­rs, and having the heebie jeebies. Of particular concern during the July discussion was the “infamous” ghost in the basement of the Wellington Archives.

“As the lift starts to move the number on the floor counter inside the lift flickers and the doors open on lower level 1, no one is there, it is dark, and you either stand there unsure of what to do or mash the close door button before something gets in,” a spooked staff member posted.

Another staff member pointed out this was “probably just a malfunctio­ning lift”, but others were not so willing to accept that explanatio­n.

Evidence of a “spectre” on level 13 was also exposed.

“It stared at me just long enough for me to take a quick photo,” another staff member posted.

“It is eerily clear, but not for the easily scared. PM me if you would like to see for yourself.”

Suspicious­ly, the photograph is withheld in the official informatio­n document.

The DIA said the staff member who posted the photograph is no longer working for the department.

It is unclear whether the spectre had anything to do with this staff member’s exit, and whether they are alive and well.

“What I want to know is how these entities are getting into DIA buildings without identity cards? What are Security and Property doing about it?” another staff member bemoaned.

When asked what measures it had taken, DIA admitted it had done little to crack down on the ghouls.

“There is nothing in place to deal specifical­ly with this issue,” it said.

However, it would “liaise with appropriat­e groups” if necessary.

It stared at me just long enough for me to take a quick photo. It is eerily clear, but not for the easily scared. Staff forum post

 ?? Photo / Supplied ?? Wellington Paranormal is back on our TV screens with season 2 starting this week.
Photo / Supplied Wellington Paranormal is back on our TV screens with season 2 starting this week.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from New Zealand