Applicant
Le Port Blue Limited
Case number(s)
201020060
Decision date
Type
Decision
DecisionConsent Granted
Section 12(a) Overseas Investment Act 2005
Decision date10 December 2010
InvestmentAn overseas investment in sensitive land, being the Applicant's acquisition of a freehold interest in 4.3870 hectares of land at 4 Fraser Street and Port Road, Whangarei.
Consideration$8,437,500
ApplicantLe Port Blue Limited
Charles Lehartel, France (72.0%)
David Charles Porter, New Zealand (9.0%)
Terrence Frederick Porter, New Zealand (9.0%)
Eileen Lehartel, France (5.0%)
Vainui Lehartel, France (5.0%)
VendorNorthern Land Holdings Limited (In Receivership)
Allen Stuart Jones, New Zealand (100.0%)
Background

Le Port Blue Ltd is acquiring the property in order to redevelop the land as a world class yacht and shipbuilding facility with the capability of building super yachts and commercial vessels in the 80 metre range. The facility will be operated by its associated company (Le Port Marine Ltd - Marine).

The proposed investment will rejuvenate an asset that is currently lying moribund as a result of the collapse of the yachting business that was carried out on the land and will help to stimulate the economy in the Whangarei district.

The overseas investment transaction has satisfied the criteria in section 16 of the Overseas Investment Act 2005. The 'benefit to New Zealand' criterion was satisfied by particular reference to the following factors:

Overseas Investment Act 2005
17(2)(a)(i) – Creation/Retention of jobs
17(2)(a)(iii) – Increased export receipts
17(2)(a)(iv) – Added market competition/productivity
17(2)(a)(v) – Additional investment for development purposes
17(2)(f) – Offer to sell seabed/foreshore to the Crown

Overseas Investment Regulations 2005
28(a) – Consequential Benefits
28(c) – Affect image, trade or international relations
28(f) – Advance significant government policy or strategy

More informationMark Nicholson
Chapman Tripp
PO Box 2206
AUCKLAND 1140