19 Jun 2015

Port protesters 'delighted' at legal win

7:49 pm on 19 June 2015

A group campaigning against extensions to Auckland's Bledisloe Wharf has won its legal case against the Ports of Auckland, forcing it to stop work immediately.

The two sides of the Bledisloe Terminal (foreground) will be built 98 metres further into the harbour, with the port later hoping to reclaim the space between them.

Bledisloe Wharf (foreground) Photo: SUPPLIED / Ports of Auckland

Urban Auckland, which aims to protect the city's built environment and waterfront, claimed the resource consents to extend the wharf were granted unlawfully.

The High Court has agreed.

Ports of Auckland said it was disappointed with the outcome, which it said could be expensive for the company.

It said it had now stopped all work on the wharf, where several new piles had already been put in, and was studying the ruling to assess all its implications.

Urban Auckland chairperson Julie Stout said the group was "delighted" at the result.

"It's proven we were right after all. We had a big fight on our hands here. We were very much in a David-to-Goliath situation. It's been terrific that the judge has ruled in our favour."