Ground rent of $173,323.64 is being sought from Yong Xin Chen in the case being brought by the Cornwall Park Trust Board.
Matt Casey, QC opened the case in the High Court at Auckland this morning, saying she owed two years rent on 21 Maungakiekie Ave in Epsom but she had refused to pay.
Her lease expired on March 30, 2009 yet she remained in possession for another two and a half years but "has refused to pay the upset back rent", he said.
But the board also wants damages for costs of reinstating the property, seeking a further $117,042.60 including $114,661.42 paid to Omega Construction.
Casey told how Sir John Logan Campbell had gifted land to the trust board "from which income could be derived to support the operation of the park. This land adjoins the park," he told Justice Rebecca Ellis.