A University of Otago staff member's dedication has earned him praise from his superiors.
Christchurch campus building facilities manager Murray Clarke's decision to chain all significant heavy items to the wall in case of an earthquake had saved the items from major damage when the real thing struck 10 days ago, vice-chancellor Prof Sir David Skegg said yesterday.
Bookshelves in the library and elsewhere, photocopiers, filing cabinets and other large items had all escaped damage, he said at a university council meeting.
Mr Clarke had been influenced by his many years at sea and the need to chain items down to stop them moving, Prof Skegg said.
Some had thought his desire to chain items down on land was excessive, but it had been the right decision.
"I will be writing to him to thank him for what he did."
Prof Skegg toured the Christchurch campus on Monday.
While staff had sad stories of their homes being destroyed or seriously damaged, two university buildings located near Christchurch Hospital had emerged with mainly superficial cracks and broken windows, he said.
However, the St Elmo's Court building, where the university leased space, was more significantly damaged and its future "was under a cloud".
The university would have to look for alternative space for two groups of students and staff if the building was not reopened soon, he said.