PHOTO: Ali Williams and his billionaire partner Anna Mowbray. FILE
Former All Black star Ali Williams and his billionaire partner Anna Mowbray are locked in a heated dispute with Auckland Council over seawall construction at their $24 million luxury property in one of New Zealand’s most expensive suburbs, Westmere.
The couple, who demolished the existing home to create their dream waterfront estate, have been issued multiple abatement notices regarding their seawall project. Auckland Council officials claim the seawall extends beyond its approved boundaries, sparking controversy over coastal reclamation and environmental impact.
Council Orders Work to Stop – But Owners Fight Back
On February 19, 2024, Auckland Council issued three abatement notices, ordering Williams and Mowbray to:
✔ Stop reclaiming the coastal marine area
✔ Submit updated “as-built” plans for the seawall
✔ Provide an arborist completion report
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However, Mowbray has hit back, stating the notices have been lifted after the couple took legal steps to authorize any unapproved work under the Resource Management Act.
But late yesterday, a council spokesperson confirmed that while the owners have begun the application process, the formal paperwork has not yet been received.
📢 “Once the bid is officially lodged, the abatement notices will be put on hold. If the bid is declined, the owners must comply with the original council orders,” the spokesperson explained.
Did the Seawall Go Too Far? Council Weighs In
The main issue revolves around the seawall’s placement. The council initially approved a seawall behind a small boatshed, but inspectors found the completed structure extends beyond its consented location.
🌊 “There is also a potential additional occupation and reclamation by the seawall along the northwestern side of the site. This is currently under review,” said Robert Laulala, Council’s Environmental Monitoring Manager.
Mowbray and Williams have since submitted the required seawall plans, which are currently under review by council officials. The arborist completion report was accepted on February 27, bringing them one step closer to compliance.
Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray’s luxury Fijian resort wedding
Helipad Controversy: Public Outrage Over Billionaire’s Flight Plans
The seawall battle isn’t the only controversy surrounding the couple’s high-profile property.
🚁 Their plans to install a private helipad at their waterfront home have sparked a major public backlash. Nearly 1,400 submissions were received in response to their helipad proposal, with a staggering 91% of submitters opposing the application.
Auckland Council has scheduled a five-day hearing in May to assess the impact of helicopter operations on Westmere’s coastal ecosystem.
🐦 Environmental group Quiet Sky Waitematā is particularly concerned about the potential harm to native birdlife and the delicate marine environment of the Waitematā Harbour.
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What’s Next for the Power Couple?
While Mowbray and Williams insist they’re working within the law, Auckland Council remains firm in its investigation.
This high-stakes dispute raises questions about coastal property development, environmental protection, and whether the wealthy should be able to alter Auckland’s coastline for personal gain.
With a resource consent battle and a public hearing looming, all eyes will be on Westmere’s most controversial property to see who wins the fight for Auckland’s waterfront.