Henderson back in town, questioning begins

Bankrupt Auckland property developer David Henderson. File photo

Bankrupt Auckland property developer David Henderson may be formally investigated after returning to New Zealand from a two-week holiday on his friend's superyacht in Spain.

Henderson left on June 10, one day after he was bankrupted, without telling the Official Assignee or seeking approval for the trip - an offence which carries a maximum punishment of up to three years in jail.

The Official Assignee originally believed Henderson was on his friend's yacht off the coast of Australia but it has since emerged that he was in Spain.

Official Assignee David Harte confirmed Henderson returned to New Zealand on Saturday and was interviewed today about his financial position and the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised travel.

"The bankrupt was fully co-operative and has agreed to provide further requested information to us as soon as reasonably possible. These investigations will be complex and will take some considerable time to complete."

But Harte also said that after looking into the possible offences of travelling without consent and misleading the Official Assignee, he has found sufficient grounds to refer the matters to the National Enforcement Unit for a formal prosecution investigation.

He said this referral will be made "in the near future".

- NZ HERALD ONLINE