Court Rules on Golden Bay Grandstand

The Environment Court has declined to make an order preventing the removal of the Golden Bay grandstand.

The Tasman District Council will now focus on fully opening the new Rec Park Centre for all to enjoy.

The Golden Bay Grandstand Community Trust had sought an enforcement order in the Environment Court prohibiting the removal of the grandstand. Judge Dwyer ruled against granting the order, on the grounds that any adverse heritage and amenity effects of removing the grandstand were not sufficiently serious to outweigh the significant community benefits that would be realised by the completion of the new Rec Park Centre.

Acting Mayor Tim King welcomed the clarity the decision provided.

“A key focus will be getting the new Rec Park Centre Golden Bay fully open for everyone to use and enjoy.

“I think it’s been a little bit lost in this discussion that many community members have advocated passionately for this facility, and raised over $1 million towards it, so we’re committed to making sure everyone can enjoy the results of all that effort.

“We’ll take some time to consider the decision and to work with the community about how we move forward.”

Council chief executive Lindsay McKenzie thanked the court.

“We believe there was thoughtful consideration of the evidence and arguments, and the full decision reflects that.

“One thing we are very pleased about is the court's endorsement of the clarity and thoroughness of our consultation processes. We were unfairly criticised by the Trust about that. Even though it wasn’t a matter the court was asked to rule on, it is great to have that effort independently and critically reviewed by the court.”
Environment Court decisions are available online at www.environmentcourt.govt.nz.
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