Eric Watson puts up a fight over bankruptcy

Eric Watson puts up a fight over bankruptcy
(Image: NZME)
Riley Kennedy
Expat businessman Eric Watson appears to be trying to put up a fight over his bankruptcy.The liquidators of his Cullen Investments had been chasing him for roughly $57.4 million, plus interest, relating to loans he made to himself from the company.KPMG took control of the entities just over four years ago after the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) won a tax judgment against it, ruling the group was liable to pay $51.4m.Cullen Investments was part of Watson’s Cullen Group – a “complex” structure of entities spanning NZ and...

More Law & Regulation

ANZ agrees to record A$240m fine for widespread misconduct
Markets

ANZ agrees to record A$240m fine for widespread misconduct

ANZ has agreed to pay the largest penalty its Australian regulator has ever issued an entity in one go, due to failings in the bank’s dealings with both the Government and its retail customers.ANZ and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will ask the Federa...

Staff reporters 15 Sep 2025
Two more Smiths City stores close as liquidation sale winds up, massive discounts
Retail

Two more Smiths City stores close as liquidation sale winds up, massive discounts

Embattled retailer Smiths City has closed two more stores as its fire sale draws winds up this weekend.Administrators Colin Gower and Diana Matchett of BDO Christchurch on Friday said staff numbers will significantly reduce from next week, with remaining staff to assist with deli...

Staff reporters 12 Sep 2025
Construction suicide costs at $1.3 billion
Infrastructure

Construction suicide costs at $1.3 billion

A survey found that almost one in five workers reported suicidal thoughts.

Chido Machingura 12 Sep 2025
Net assets down, losses widen in Macquarie Group NZ's FY
Finance

Net assets down, losses widen in Macquarie Group NZ's FY

Financial group books wider full-year loss as net assets slip.

Staff reporters 12 Sep 2025