Homewares and DIY retailer Bunnings has won court approval to build a trade supplies warehouse at Queenstown, expanding the business’s reach in the region.
The retailer said in its application that the site is the ideal location for it to enter the area, and will allow it to increase competition where Mitre 10 Mega, PlaceMakers, and Pak’nSave have already set up shop.
“The site’s gateway location and its unique position as the only lot of sufficient size in the area with frontage to SH6 (providing optimum convenience for customers) were factors in the decision to seek consent,” the application to the Environmental Court of New Zealand said.
“The site is also in close proximity to the existing industrial area, which would assist Bunnings to supply trade goods to its trade market in an efficient manner.”
Mitre 10 Mega has been required to pay Bunnings NZ $60,000 in court costs after objecting to the application, which the High Court determined it had no right to do.
According to Stuff, Judge Jackson said H&J Smith, a company associated with Mitre 10 Mega, attempted to delay and prevent Bunnings from entering the area as a competitor, which is not permitted under the Resource Management Act.
