Dannevirke Borough Council v Governor-General - [1981] 1 NZLR 129

Public works — Compulsory acquisition of land — Council sought Proclamation that certain lands be compulsorily acquired — Minister refused to recommend that lands be taken — Refusal based on Government policy that Maori land should not be compulsorily acquired — Whether Minister had exceeded his powers — Public Works Act 1928, s 23.

Administrative law — Judicial review — Public works — Exercise of discretion — Minister's refusal to recommend that Proclamation be issued for compulsory acquisition of land was based on Government policy — Whether discretion validly exercised — Public Works Act 1928, s 23.