30 Apr 2015

Leaky high-rise residents to be compensated

6:54 pm on 30 April 2015

A court has awarded $25 million in compensation to the residents of a leaky Auckland high-rise apartment.

030314. Photo Todd Niall / RNZ. Auckland Council sign

030314. Photo Todd Niall / RNZ. Auckland Council sign Photo: RNZ

The Nautilus tower, in Orewa, was built in 2003 but has suffered constant problems ever since, including leaks, defective cladding and problems with decking.

In a judgement today, the High Court ordered Auckland Council and the building's architects and contractors to pay the repair costs, as well as damages to about 145 apartment owners.

The council said it had reservations about aspects of the ruling and was considering whether to appeal against it.

The lawyer for the owners, Tim Rainey, said that this was predictable, and that he was unsurprised.