A Queenstown man has been fined more than $22,000 after illegally erecting a building on a public road without council approval.
In a statement, the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said the man was found guilty in a judge-alone trial in the Queenstown District Court of breaching the Local Government Act 1974 by constructing a building on the road reserve near a Fernhill property — and thereby encroaching on the road.
The defendant acted without the council’s consent, and the encroachment was not authorised by, or under, any Act, the council said.
The offending continued for 875 days — about two and a-half years.
"Council officers made several attempts to engage with [the man] to achieve voluntary compliance," the council said.
"However, when these efforts were unsuccessful, council initiated prosecution proceedings."
Judge Mark Williams accepted the council’s survey evidence, confirming the building was located on the road, not the defendant’s private driveway as had been claimed.
The man was fined $22,655 and ordered to pay $20,000 towards the council’s legal costs.
QLDC monitoring, enforcement and environmental manager Isabelle Logez said the case highlighted the importance of seeking approval before carrying out any works on public land.
"Making sure that council has assessed and approved proposals helps keep people safe and protect public infrastructure," Ms Logez said.
"We hope this case serves as a reminder to check with council before starting any building or structural work on public land."
The council was engaging with the defendant to remove the structure.
Anyone planning works within a road reserve was encouraged to seek guidance in advance — information about applying for a licence to occupy, or submitting a "corridor access request" was available on the council’s website, or by contacting QLDC services, she said. — Allied Media
