Wellington, July 6 NZPA - Court costs of more than $20,000 have been awarded against a man who tried to overturn the Selwyn election result.

The petitioner, Roger Payne, attempted to gain the National Party nomination for the seat, but was rejected.

His petition accused the National Party of corrupt practice in the way it selected its election candidates.

In May, the High Court at Christchurch dismissed the claim saying no grounds had been made to question the lawfulness of the election of Amy Adams as National's MP for Selwyn.

The High Court today said Mr Payne had failed to find any grounds to strike down the election and awarded costs against him.

"There were elements of public interest in this case but, in the main, Mr Payne was pursuing an agenda of his own and for his own benefit," the judgment said.

He was ordered to pay the sum of $23,520 plus disbursements as fixed by the registrar.