Campaign for a Better City loses High Court actions against Historic Places Trust

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The High Court today released a decision in the case of Campaign for a Better City v New Zealand Historic Places Trust and Transit New Zealand. Two cases were heard by the Court - an appeal against an Environment Court decision to confirm the authorities for Transit to destroy archaeological sites is the route of the proposed Wellington Inner-City Byass, and a separate action alleging that the Historic Places Trust had failed to take into account relevant considerations in considering Transit's applications. Campaign for a Better City lost both cases in a jugment issued today.

Campaign for a Better City spokesperson, Caro Henckels said:

"It is a sad day for heritage in New Zealand. The High Court's decision narrows the rights of public participation in the processes of the Historic Places Act, and sadly vindicates role of the HPT as a rubber stamp for roading rather than as a heritage advocate."

"The decision says that even someone born in an archaeological site is not directly affected if the site is destroyed."

"The decision of the High Court even lost the opportunity to limit damage as proposed earlier by the Environment Court which recognised some buildings being relocated did not need to be moved."

"It is sadly ironic that a community group had to take the Historic Places Trust to court to try and limit the most severe destruction of heritage that Wellington has seen for decades."

"The Trust's role in 'Bypass' is shameful. The Trust ended up siding with Transit and against heritage, didn't even show up at the original bypass hearings in 1996 and has now had its superficial approach confirmed."

"The community will not stop fighting to protect Te Aro's heritage but it is clear that the Historic Places Trust is little more than a figleaf for Transit's bulldozers".

"CBC has exhausted its legal avenues to protect and promote heritage in the face of Transit's destructive urges. Now up to the community to take whatever direct action it sees fit."

ENDS

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