Hundreds rally to support Hubbard

A sign supporting Allan Hubbard at a Timaru roundabout. Photo / Jess Culling

Timaru's shopping centre was brought to a standstill this morning, as hundreds of backers of embattled financier Allan Hubbard gathered to show their support for the man who has been a big part of their business community.

Shop staff left their counters to line the main street and watch the rally as supporters moved to the main offices of South Canterbury Finance.

The Government moved on Sunday to appoint statutory managers to Aorangi Securities and the business interests of Hubbard and his wife Jean after an earlier complaint from an investor.

Many of today's supporters were investors and people who had benefitted from the millions of dollars of contributions to charity over the last 60 years.

Some came with personal messages of support while others carried placards.
"Hubbard deserves a knighthood, not a nightmare," read one.
"In NZ, we believe you are... innocent until proven guilty" read another.

Timaru mayor Janie Annear said she was not surprised by the large turnout "because of the immeasurable good (the Hubbards) have done over the years.

Rally organiser Mike Cotton told the gathering that the rally was about standing alongside the Hubbards, who had supported hundreds of organisations and individuals over the years.

"A lot of those (contributions) are unheard of," said Cotton. "It has been done quietly by Allan and his wife - only Allan would know the amount of funds he has given away."

"The Hubbards aren't high-flyers, they never have been, they are old-school new Zealanders who genuinely desire to help their fellow man."

Albert Makary, a close friend of the Hubbards said he was ashamed to be New Zealander when news of the investigation broke, but his faith had been restored by the turnout at today's rally.

"Hubbard would not buy himself a new pair of shoes, yet would give away $5 million to a charity after a 20 minute chat."

Christchurch businesswoman Rose Higgins travelled down to Timaru to support the Hubbards, saying his companies had supported her business over the years.

"I just can't thank them highly enough. He's helped so many businesspeople out," she said. "Without Mr and Mrs Hubbard where would we all be?"

A few people at the rally expressed anger at the way the Hubbards had been treated.

Dave Fraser, who had borrowed money from the Hubbard over the years, said Prime Minister John Key and Commerce Minister Simon Power and 'anyone else' connected to the investigation should resign.

After a ten minute march from the piazza through Timaru's main Stafford Street, the crowd -estimated at more than 300 - gathered outside the corporate offices of South Canterbury Finance, where flowers were laid outside the door and a rendition of "For he's a jolly good fellow" was sung along with a 'three cheers'.

An emotional Jean Hubbard then emerged from the company's offices and thanked the crowd on behalf of her husband for their support.