Rugby star's property row

Shontayne Hape is embroiled in a row over properties in a subdivision in Ahipara, Northland. Photo / Getty Images

Rugby star Shontayne Hape is at the centre of a High Court dispute over two properties in a Northland subdivision.

Ahipara Developments has filed proceedings against Hape over a breach of contract thought to be worth more than $250,000.

It is understood Hape paid a deposit but is alleged to have refused to make the final payment.

Hape did not respond to a request for an interview.

His lawyer, John Ropati, did not return calls and Ahipara Developments lawyer Graham Kohler declined to comment while the matter was before court.

Company director Archibald Moffat said the dispute was over the purchase of two properties in a 48-lot subdivision in Ahipara, at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach.

The properties are described as "family homes" with an average value between $156,000 and $170,000. The Herald on Sunday understands Hape is claiming the development is not to a standard he signed up for.

The company's manager David O'Rourke said court action was a last resort that was "not taken lightly".

"We believe we have delivered what we said we would.

"We don't want to get into a position of finger-pointing. We really wanted to avoid this being in the papers ... I've never met Shontayne or his wife personally, they're probably really decent people but we have obligations we need to meet too - contracts with banks ..."

The parties were due to have a teleconference in the High Court at Auckland this week but the hearing was postponed.

Hape played league for the Warriors until 2002 before moving to the UK where he played for the Bradford Bulls.

He switched to union in 2007 after a starring role in New Zealand's 2006 Tri-Nations final victory over Australia.

He is eligible to play for the English union team and is expected to be part of their squad for the Rugby World Cup.