When charity events turn sour

One of New Zealand's biggest charities and a bookstore giant are caught up in a financial stoush over a cookbook that was launched at a glamorous, star-studded event.

Sources allege Whitcoulls was supposed to pay the Red Cross around $45,000 for exclusive rights to sell the charity's cookbook - launched by top-notch celebrities who spent hours preparing recipes from the book.

But the bookstore chain says it has already paid $15,000 - reflecting the number of books it has sold - and owes nothing more than that.

Whitcoulls says only 1000 books were ordered, and they've sold around 900.

But a source says Whitcoulls made a verbal agreement with distributors Gordon & Gotch in September to exclusively sell and pay for 3000 cookbooks.

It is understood the publisher of the cookbook, Tim Connell, has forked out the remaining $30,000 balance to the Red Cross from his own pocket. Connell, who is understood to be in negotiations with Whitcoulls, refused to comment.

Whitcoulls spokeswoman Sheryl Green said if sales went well, they intended to buy more. To date, 900 copies had been sold.

"We are currently in discussions with Gordon & Gotch regarding the supply of additional copies of the New Zealand Red Cross Cookbook and associated promotional activities," she said. "We hope to resolve this matter as quickly and amicably as possible."

Whitcoulls bought the books for $15 each and on-sold them for $30.

A source alleged Whitcoulls had refused to pay because it said it was unhappy with the level of publicity leading up to the book launch.

A star-studded launch was organised last October, featuring 26 household names including Paul Holmes, Mark Sainsbury, Kerre Woodham, Susan Wood, Lana Coc-Kroft and several Shortland Street stars.

They gave their time free of charge, whipping up recipes from the book for the launch.

"Whitcoulls saying that [lack of publicity] just smacks of duplicity and it's not on," one source said.

"There were loads of celebrities and media coverage at the book launch, so for them to say it wasn't marketed well is crap.

"They're finding any excuse to weasel out of paying the balance [and] their excuses are ludicrous.

"They are capitalising on a charity where everyone put in their time and hard work, and they are the ones benefiting from it."

New Zealand Red Cross is aware of the payment dispute but is dealing with Gordon & Gotch as a go-between.

The disagreement was a case of "he said, she said" said the book and magazine distributor, which does business with both Whitcoulls and Connell.

"If there had been something signed then it would be easy to say someone didn't hold up their end of the deal, but it's all a bit grey," Gordon & Gotch manager Tony Campbell said.

"We've been trying to be diplomatic with both parties, because we have a relationship with both, and we want it to all work out."

New Zealand Red Cross national fundraising manager Clare Cain said the cookbook was a fundraising initiative organised with Connell.

"We have been made aware that there is an outstanding payment due to Gourmet Food Publishing by Whitcoulls," she said.

"We look forward to seeing this issue resolved to the satisfaction of both parties."