A long-running legal battle between a US billionaire and a Far North iwi over a beachfront subdivision has ended up in the Court of Appeal.
In October 2011, the High Court at Whangarei quashed Far North District Council (FNDC) consents that allowed investment banker Paul Kelly's land at Karikari Beach, Doubtless Bay, to be subdivided and 12 homes to be built there.
Te Runanga-a-Iwi o Ngati Kahu argued the subdivided land is an ancient burial site.
The High Court also ordered the council and Mr Kelly's companies, Carrington Farms and Carrington Estates, to observe a 2001 out-of-court agreement not to build within 800 metres of the high-water mark.
The Court of Appeal heard arguments from lawyers representing both Mr Kelly and the council last week and has reserved its decision.