A group advocating for better coastal environment ordered to pay costs of $35,000 has been stung with an even larger bill after losing a legal battle over a beachfront reserve next to an Opua boatyard.
Late last year, the Supreme Court ruled that easements used by Doug's Opua Boatyard owner Doug Schmuck, granted by the Far North District Council, were valid, reversing an earlier decision in the Court of Appeal and allowing Schmuck to use part of the reserve for his boat repair business.
The Supreme Court ordered the Opua Coastal Preservation Society to pay Schmuck $20,000 and the district council $15,000.
The society challenged in the High Court the council's decision in 2014 to grant permission to carry out commercial boatyard activities on the reserve and to consent to easements over that reserve. The court quashed the permission but upheld consenting of the easements.
READ MORE:
• Northland boatyard owner Doug Schmuck loses fight to use reserve
• Premium - Legal battle ends in hefty payout for Opua boatyard owner
• Premium - Court gives Northland boat builder green light to use reserve
• Northlander goes to Supreme Court to get easements back