PHOTO: Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke, Du Val Group. FILE
Once a prominent figure in New Zealand’s property sector, Du Val founder Kenyon Clarke is now facing a criminal charge of wilful damage following a confrontation with an Auckland car dealer.
Clarke, whose property development company Du Val Group collapsed into statutory management in August 2024, is alleged to have damaged a phone belonging to car dealer John Murphy after an encounter outside a Remuera butcher’s shop. The incident occurred on February 17, with police now confirming that Clarke has been summonsed to appear in Auckland District Court later this month.
📸 Incident Outside Clarke’s Home
According to court documents, Murphy—who owns Central Car Company in Ellerslie—had taken several photos of Clarke outside his local butcher. Clarke allegedly responded by seizing and damaging Murphy’s iPhone, prompting Murphy to pursue the matter both privately and, ultimately, through the police.
Initially detained on the day of the incident, Clarke was released without charge. However, following a judge’s recommendation to escalate the case to police, formal charges have now been laid. Murphy claims the phone was “damaged beyond repair.”
Images of Clarke in police custody surfaced shortly after the altercation, with one widely circulated photo showing him being escorted in handcuffs near his home.
🏗️ Clarke’s Fall from Property Prominence
This incident comes amid the ongoing fallout from the collapse of Du Val Group, once one of the country’s largest private residential developers. The company—founded by Clarke and his wife, Charlotte, in 2013—was placed under statutory management by PwC, which revealed over $306 million owed to secured and unsecured creditors, including investors.
The company’s downfall followed an early morning raid at the couple’s Remuera residence and triggered significant losses for many everyday investors. Some have since launched legal action against the Financial Markets Authority, challenging the statutory management order.
Auckland property developer and investor Du Val Group owes close to $240 million | WATCH
🧑⚖️ Legal Battle Unfolds
Clarke has referred all media queries to his legal counsel, Ron Mansfield KC, who has yet to release a statement. Meanwhile, Murphy stands by his actions, stating, “It’s my right to video and take a picture of somebody.”
Murphy is no stranger to the courtroom himself. Earlier this year, he was awarded $20,000 in damages in a defamation case against a woman who wrongly accused him of stealing her car. He is also listed as a director of Joden Finance Ltd, trading as Cornwall Motor Company.
Du Val Group Receivership: What property developers are next? | WATCH
🏡 What It Means for the Property Sector
This case adds another layer to the already complex and controversial story of Du Val and its founder. Once known for high-profile residential developments marketed to everyday Kiwis, Clarke’s name has become synonymous with one of New Zealand’s largest property collapses in recent memory.
For investors, this latest charge underscores the reputational and financial risks tied to charismatic industry figures and the importance of robust financial due diligence before committing to property schemes.
High profile property investor and developer Du Val Group placed into receivership
🔑 Key Takeaways for Property Stakeholders
-
Criminal charges against developers can significantly impact investor confidence, especially amid unresolved insolvency proceedings.
-
Due diligence and regulatory oversight remain critical in New Zealand’s residential development space.
-
Investors involved in failed schemes like Du Val continue to seek answers and accountability.
-
The intersection of personal conduct and professional leadership can shape the trajectory—and legacy—of even the largest property players.
SOURCE: STUFF