Tasman Pacific directors want more time to defend charges

By Jock Anderson

Friday 7th September 2001

Directors of collapsed Tasman Pacific Airlines want the Crown to drop Companies Act charges that accuse them of failing to file financial returns.

Tasman Pacific was the company behind Qantas New Zealand, which went into receivership at 3.30 am on April 26, owing $128 million and leaving staff and creditors out in the cold.

Five charges against each of the former Tasman Pacific directors - Trevor Farmer, Ken Cowley, Kevin Doddrell, David Skeggs, Fred Watson, David Belcher and alternative director Rob Campbell - were adjourned to early October when they were called in the Auckland District Court this week.

Defence lawyers want more time to put detailed submissions to the Crown seeking the withdrawal of the charges, which the former directors had vowed to vigorously defend.

Each proven charge carries a maximum penalty of $100,000.

Further legal action is being considered as liquidator Meltzer Mason Heath investigates the timing of the company's insolvency, amid claims by some creditors that the directors knew as early as last November the company was technically insolvent and were allegedly guilty of reckless trading. Liquidator Jeff Meltzer confirmed he was also investigating the circumstances surrounding the receivership.

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