Media Release | 13 May 2011
Agreement to withdraw legal action over Queenstown Airport
Auckland Airport today welcomed the decision by the Queenstown Community Strategic Assets Group (QCSAG) and Air New
Zealand to withdraw their legal actions against Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Queenstown Airport and
Auckland Airport.
The legal actions had sought to overturn Auckland Airport’s 24.99% shareholding in Queenstown Airport, announced in July
2010. A High Court hearing was due to start next week in Queenstown.
The agreement to withdraw the legal actions does not impact on Auckland Airport’s existing shareholding, nor has
Auckland Airport given any new shareholding undertakings.
As announced on 21 March, Auckland Airport and Queenstown Airport have already cancelled an option to subscribe for
additional shares. Auckland Airport has also given an undertaking to QLDC that it will not seek to increase its
shareholding beyond 24.99% without the involvement and consent of QLDC.
Simon Moutter, Auckland Airport chief executive, said, “Since that March announcement, we’ve worked hard with all
parties to find a resolution. We’re pleased that this common-sense and positive decision has been achieved. We have been
as disappointed as anyone that the affected parties have had to spend considerable money on legal costs to date. The
pragmatic decision to withdraw the legal actions allows everyone to avoid incurring further legal costs and to finally
move on. We can all focus without distraction on our mutual interest of growing tourism into the Queenstown Lakes
District and the South Island.”
Ends