Wharf's locked gate defies court ruling

The sign says open...but not till the Lions depart.

Access to the Hilton Hotel's public viewing decks remains closed around the clock, despite a recent court ruling stating it could be open during the day.

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) has received complaints about the gates on the steps leading to the viewing decks on the northern end of Princes Wharf being locked during the day.

The ARC has written to Princes Wharf management requesting an explanation for the locked gates.

The Environment Court ruled in May that the gates could be closed between 11.30pm and 6am for safety reasons.

Hilton Hotel's management said the police decided to permanently lock the gates to the decks while the Lions, who are staying at the hotel while in Auckland, are in the country. The decks will be open to the public again after they leave following Saturday's final test.

ARC chairman Mike Lee described the situation as "ridiculous" and called it "appropriation by stealth of public property".

He said locking the gates during the Lions tour seemed to fly in the face of what the court had asked for.

"Is it to keep the Lions in or the Lions out?" Mr Lee asked. "If the Lions are in Wellington and the gates are locked then it's absolutely preposterous."

The ARC and wharf companies PW Investments and PW Hotel have been arguing about the viewing deck since 2002, when the America's Cup regatta was being staged. The ARC has consulted its lawyers and is taking the matter back to the Environment Court.