12 Dec 2013

Crown ordered to pay school's court costs

2:50 pm on 12 December 2013

The High Court has ordered the Government to pay more than $99,000 in legal costs to Phillipstown School in Christchurch for its successful challenge against a decision to close it.

In a decision issued on Thursday, Justice Fogarty said the costs were calculated on the basis that challenging a Government minister's decision requires experienced lawyers.

The case was against a decision by Education Minister Hekia Parata to close the school and merge it with Woolston School in 2014.

The Government did not challenge the decision, but has resumed consultation on the plan.