Auckland Airport to defend Craigie appeal

Auckland Airport has been made aware that the Craigie Trust has publicly indicated it intends to appeal against a June 2008 High Court decision that ruled in favour of Auckland Airport.

The High Court decision in favour of Auckland Airport followed a claim for land made by the Craigie Trust under the Public Works Act, heard before the court in March 2008.

Auckland Airport remains firmly of the view that the claim was without merit and the High Court decision is entirely appropriate. Auckland Airport will defend any appeal as and when it is filed.

Background

Auckland Airport had received notice in September 2006 from the Craigie Trust of a claim regarding certain land acquired for airport uses during the 1970s. The land in question is 36.4 hectares, a small proportion of Auckland Airports total land holding. The Craigie Trust, as original owner of the land, asserted that the land is now surplus to airport requirements and should be offered back to it under the Public Works Act 1981. This claim did not succeed when it was heard before the High Court in March 2008.