$66 million claim filed by Tepaki

On Thursday developer Tim Tepaki filed papers in the High Court (Civil Division) seeking $66 million in damages from seven defendants. Tepaki spoke to the Times early on Friday afternoon.
Under Special Damages, Tepaki is claiming;
Equity in properties: $ 11.4 million
Loss of earnings: $33.6 million
Unpaid revenue: $1 million
Under general Damages, Tepaki is claiming $5 million.
Under Aggravated Damages, Tepaki is claiming $15 million.
Papers were served on the seven defendants on Friday said Tepaki. The defendants are;
Rarotonga Resorts Management Ltd-hotel operator of Arorangi, Robin Eggleton hotel operator and director of NZ, Kim Eggleton company director of NZ, Anne Boys hotel operator of Arorangi, Michael Innes Jones accountant of Arorangi, Strategic Finance Ltd (in receivership) Mezzanine Finance of NZ and David Somerfield loans Manager of NZ.
Tepaki’s statement of claim is 22 pages long and opens with the statement that he is representing himself. He alleges that his holding companies were recently unjustly placed in receivership and he alleges evidence of conspiracy has emerged that will implicate the defendants. He states that the placing of his companies in receivership will not only damage him but also the Cook Islands and the nation’s all important tourism industry.
Tepaki told the Times he intends to submit 33 exhibits in support of his case.
Tepaki said that in putting up a fight for what he believes is right, he wants to demonstrate to other Cook Islanders that they should not be afraid to challenge the actions of those who attempt to take over their assets by applying questionable tactics. He said now more than ever, Cook Islanders needed to stand up and fight for their rights, their land, properties and mana.
Tepaki told the Times that next week he intended to file more court papers and would release details in due course.

By Charles Pitt

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