Media Release by Urban Auckland

Auckland pressure group puts Ports of Auckland on notice

Urban Auckland, the Society for the Protection of Auckland City and Waterfront Inc. (Urban Auckland) today instructed its legal team to formally notify Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) and Auckland Council that it proposes to issue legal proceedings against them, because it considers the B2 and B3 Bledisloe Wharf extension resource consents were granted unlawfully.

Urban Auckland believes that POAL should stop work that relies on those consents.

Julie Stout, Chair of Urban Auckland, said “We are acting because we believe there has been a miscarriage of justice, and because it is in the public interest that secret decisions and processes are scrutinised in the High Court.”

Julie Stout announced that Julian Miles QC, one of New Zealand’s most respected Queen’s Counsel, will be representing them. She said “We are delighted to be assisted by Julian Miles QC and other notable lawyers.”

Urban Auckland has a long and distinguished track-record of successfully engaging with major urban projects in Auckland. These include its campaigns (in 2000 and 2004) to change the appearance and design of the Price Waterhouse Coopers tower on Quay Street and the St James Theatre building in Queen Street.

Julie Stout said “Expansions of the size and scope planned by Ports of Auckland into the Waitemata Harbour should not be allowed to happen as of right. We are determined that no legal stone shall be left unturned to stop the wharf extensions.”

ENDS

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