KEY POINTS:
In the dock, a property developer and resident of the country's wealthiest avenue. On the witness stand, a onetime sharemilker who became a subdivider of coastal farms and alleges he was kidnapped by his former business partner.
The accused is Richard George Anthony Kroon, whose developments include the architecturally acclaimed Chancery retail and cafe precinct by Albert Park in Auckland.
In the Auckland District Court on Monday, a case begins that revolves around the relationship between Kroon and Kim Hilton Spencer.
Kroon, who lives in Remuera's Victoria Ave, and his co-accused, Craig Hamish Weller, deny kidnapping Mr Spencer and demanding with intent to gain a benefit.
The Crown alleges the men fell out over money and Kroon arranged for Mr Spencer to be kidnapped and forced to sign documents.
Weller is alleged to have posed as a prospective buyer of a Pakiri property being subdivided by Kroon and Mr Spencer to lure the latter to a shed where others were waiting.
Kroon has told police he did meet Mr Spencer on the Pakiri land that day, November 16, 2004. They discussed the subdivision, viewed the lots and he went home. He denies any incident took place.
