Kaikohe company takes FNDC to court in dispute over cycleway tender

Rintoul Group has taken the Far North District Council to the High Court in a dispute over a tender for cycleway contracts. Photo / Supplied

A Northland business has taken the Far North District Council to court in a dispute over a tender for cycleway contracts.

In March 2016, Kaikohe-based Rintoul Group tendered for four cycleway contracts with the council after undertaking a number of similar jobs in the past.

Rintoul Group claimed while the council's initial response to its tender was favourable, the council notified on July 6, 2016 its bid had been excluded from consideration on the grounds the company breached government rules.

The rules relate to false declarations, acts, or omissions that adversely reflected on the commercial integrity of the supplier.

The council alleged Rintoul Group had claimed significantly more payment during an earlier contract to complete a cycleway which took longer than the period stated in the contract.

Rintoul Group filed a civil claim in the High Court against the council.

The matter was part heard in the High Court in Auckland from May 1 to 4 and lawyers from both sides presented their closing submissions on Wednesday.

Justice Mathew Downs has reserved his judgment.

In February, the court rejected an application by the council for Rintoul Group to disclose records of work done such as timesheets and invoices during the earlier contract.