An Auckland business says it has been unable to meet a deadline to pay the Transport Agency $99,000 in overdue rent or face court action.
Wire manufacturer Faulkner Collins occupies a building owned by the Transport Agency in Mt Roskill set to be demolished to make way for the Waterview Connection motorway project.
The company employs about 50 people and says it has fallen behind in rent in the past two years while trying to negotiate how much the agency will pay in relocation costs, an estimated $1.5 million.
Faulkner Collins says it is entitled to compensation under the Public Works Act and had until midday on Monday to pay the overdue rent.
The company's chief executive says the company just wants a fair go and a chance to continues its recovery from the recession.
Hadley Wright says he has repeatedly contacted Transport Minister Steven Joyce regarding the company's plight, but his pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
The Transport Agency's Auckland regional director has said even if the rent arrears are not paid by the deadline, the agency will not necessarily move to evict.
Stephen Town says once the rent has been paid, the agency can resume relocation compensation negotiations.
