On 20 December 2023, XRay Trust Limited commenced judicial review proceedings challenging the decision by Queenstown Lakes District Council to process the resource consent application by Millbrook Country Club Limited to hold the New Zealand Golf Open Championship at Millbrook until 2031 on a non-notified basis, and its subsequent decision to grant the resource consent with very few conditions imposed.
Judicial review is a method of raising concerns as to the lawfulness of decisions made by statutory decision-makers.
XRay is particularly concerned with the process that QLDC followed in making its decisions, including its reliance placed on a non-existent "agreement" between XRay and Millbrook, and the conditions imposed on the consent.
A successful judicial review application will provide an opportunity for correct processes to be applied, and XRay anticipates participating as a notified party in any subsequent resource consent decision-making process to ensure its substantive concerns are addressed.
XRay is disappointed that litigation is necessary to address its concerns, but is hopeful that a more neighbourly relationship with Millbrook can be restored in the future.
XRay has been advised not to comment to the media or share any further details of the case at this stage.
Brian Cartmell, Director
XRay Trust Limited