Another appeal lodged against Crafar sale

Another High Court appeal has been lodged against the sale of the Crafar Farms to China's Shanghai Pengxin group.

It's by the Sir Michael Fay-led group that wants to buy the farms.

Spokesman Alan McDonald says they are asking the court to review the Government's decision.

"Late yesterday afternoon we lodged an appeal with the High Court in Wellington, it's on the same grounds but we have to lodge it against the new decision from the Government so it's on the basis of the business acumen and experience relevant to the investment."

The group is arguing that Shanghai Pengxin fails to meet the investment requirement.

The Prime Minister is comfortable with the second legal challenge to the sale of the farms.

John Key says the group were well within their rights to go to the court the first time and are well within their rights to do it a second time.

"We believe the laws been appropriately applied, but that's a matter for the courts to interpret, and that's the wonderful thing about living in a country where you can test your rights in the courts."

Photo: Michael Fay (NZ Herald)