PHOTO: Robert Walker. STUFF/FILE
The ongoing dispute between a Christchurch property developer and the accountant tasked with liquidating his companies has entered a new phase.
Back in 2010, accountant Robert Walker was appointed as the liquidator for Dave Henderson’s collapsed Property Ventures group. This appointment ignited a bitter feud between the two, which has persisted over the years.
Initially pursued by Walker as a debtor, Henderson managed to reverse his fortunes, becoming a creditor in the liquidation process. Subsequently, he turned the tables, targeting Walker, who faced suspension from the Institute of Chartered Accountants following complaints lodged by Henderson in 2021.
Henderson alleged that Walker’s involvement in various court proceedings concerning him compromised his impartiality as a liquidator and violated his privacy, among other grievances.
Now, Walker has been found guilty of professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming of an accountant, and breaching the institute’s rules and code of ethics by its disciplinary tribunal. Consequently, he has been deregistered and ordered to pay $188,000 in costs.
The tribunal considered suspending Walker to give him a chance to reassess his behavior, but his continued defiance and escalation of misconduct led to his removal from the register.
The costs incurred during the case were significant, totaling nearly $210,000. Walker’s lack of cooperation significantly prolonged the investigation process, contributing to the high costs.
Walker has the option to appeal the decision within 21 days, although he expressed doubts about the fairness of the process, claiming it to be corrupt.
The tumultuous history between Walker and Henderson dates back to around 2010, with the fallout from the global financial crisis causing significant financial strain on Henderson’s property ventures. This led to bankruptcy for Henderson in 2010 and subsequent clashes with Walker as the liquidator.
Despite Walker’s legal battles and Henderson’s complaints, the rift between them persists, marked by unprofessional language and accusations on Walker’s part, as described by the tribunal.
SOURCE: THE PRESS