2 Aug 2023
Respondents entitled to costs for opposing the stay and for the appeal proceedings subject to a 25% discount where interests were closely aligned, certain interlocutory costs declined or ordered to lie where they fall, and second counsel was allowed given the volume and language issues; specific awards made: $16,849.50 to Xin Zhou and $17,566.50 to Wen Zhou.
10 May 2022
The plaintiff succeeded in establishing the defendant acted inappropriately and should be removed from his roles, so she is entitled to costs under r 14.2(1)(a); however because the plaintiff failed on the contention that Mrs John lacked capacity and significant resources were expended on that issue, the scheduled costs award is reduced by 20%, with disbursements allowed in full, and costs to be calculated or fixed by the Registrar if necessary.
13 Dec 2021
Applicant was entitled to costs because he succeeded on appeal; costs were properly assessed on a 2B basis totalling $7,966.20; the respondent had misled the High Court and his assertions about the correctness of the Court of Appeal decision and his lack of means do not justify refusing costs.
22 Jun 2011
The presumption in r 15.23 that the unsuccessful party pays costs remains operative; however, where unforeseen catastrophic events have rendered proceedings effectively unnecessary the court may exercise its discretion to reduce the costs award. Applying that discretion, a 20% reduction was appropriate in the circumstances, resulting in costs fixed at $11,500.00 inclusive of disbursements payable by the plaintiff to the defendants.
20 Jan 2000
The court exercised its discretion to award the appellant $700 towards counsel's costs despite dismissing the appeal because the issues had wider ramifications and the respondent benefited from authoritative resolution; the sum reflects a balance between the judge's suggested $900 and the respondent's $400 offer.