Ownership battle costly for Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay Marlborough Vineyards' losses ballooned by 600 per cent in the first half because of high interest costs and the long-running battle between Delegat's and Peter Yealands for control of the vineyard.

Its loss of $927,000 for the six months ended December 31 compared with $132,000 a year earlier. Before tax write-offs the loss was $1.3 million.