Mr Thiel’s company, Second Star Ltd, lodged an appeal on September 5 against a decision by an independent hearings panel to refuse resource consent for a proposed luxury lodge at Damper Bay, on the outskirts of Wanaka.
The Upper Clutha Environmental Society confirmed on Thursday it would be a party to the appeal.
The Otago Daily Times asked Mr Boult on Thursday for his thoughts on the appeal and whether the council should negotiate or mediate a resolution to save money for the ratepayer.
"The council is the respondent in law; it will be our job to defend the decision. However, beyond that we will not comment on a matter that is now before the courts," Mr Boult replied.
QLDC communications spokesman Sam White confirmed the council was reviewing Second Star’s appeal, but could not provide any further comment.
"We are reviewing the applicant’s appeal and will respond in due course in line with normal process," Mr White said.
In New Zealand, the Environment Court hears a case de novo — from the beginning.
Appeals of local authority decisions are not confined to a review of law.
All parties to an appeal are required to mediate before the appeal is heard to see if an alternative resolution is possible or to reduce the number of issues to be heard on appeal.
