A controversial demolition of three art deco houses in the Auckland suburb of St Heliers has been halted after a last-minute court order.
The 1930s houses are due to be removed to make way for a retail and business centre, but opponents say that will ruin the character of the seaside village.
Work resumed on the houses on Thursday afternoon for a short time but stopped when the Environment Court granted a temporary injunction order.
One of the protesters who sought the injunction, Dorothy McHattie, says the order stands until Monday when a judge will consider whether to extend it.
Ms McHattie says only part of one of the houses has been knocked down and it is a relief the injunction was granted before more damage was done.
