PHOTO: “$780,000 Mistake!” Supreme Court SLAMS PGG Wrightson in Explosive Farm Sale Scandal. FILE
⚖️PGG Wrightson SLAMMED by Supreme Court for “Careless” Misrepresentation
In a stunning judgment that’s rocking the rural real estate world, PGG Wrightson Real Estate has been ordered by the Supreme Court of New Zealand to pay over $780,000 in damages and legal costs — after being found liable for misrepresenting the performance of a $2.8 million dairy farm near Hokitika.
The decision brings a 15-year legal saga to a head and sends a loud message to every real estate agent across the country: accuracy matters.
🧨 “This wasn’t just a slip-up — it was a misrepresentation that destroyed a family’s future,” said a property law expert following the ruling.
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🐄What Went So Horribly Wrong?
Back in 2010, a Hokitika dairy farm was marketed by PGG Wrightson with bold claims:
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Averaging 103,000 kg of milk solids over three seasons
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Strong herd performance
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Prime productive land
But after purchase, the new owners discovered:
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Actual output averaged closer to 98,000 kg
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They never hit the advertised production, despite extensive reinvestment
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The herd and land couldn’t deliver what was promised
The harsh reality? Even at its best, the farm only produced 88,500 kg of milk solids — a far cry from the sales pitch.
💸The Cost of a Bad Sale: Dreams Shattered, Finances Ruined
The buyers poured hundreds of thousands into fertiliser, re-grassing and farm development. But production continued to drop, falling as low as 60,600 kg in the worst season.
The result?
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Debt spiraled
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Profitability tanked
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By 2020, the farm was sold off at a loss — a decade after the initial purchase
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The owners declared they would have “never purchased the farm” if the real figures were disclosed
🚨Supreme Court Delivers Final Blow
The court’s decision delivered on Thursday didn’t just affirm PGG Wrightson’s negligence — it also dismissed the company’s cross-appeal in full.
That means:
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The company must pay all awarded damages and court costs
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There’s no path left for appeal
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Legal precedent is now firmly set: misrepresentation in rural sales will not be tolerated
📉Industry Repercussions: A Wake-Up Call for Rural Real Estate
This decision is set to ripple through the rural property industry. Legal experts and farmers alike are calling it a “watershed moment” for holding real estate agents accountable.
“This wasn’t just a bad deal. It was a professional failure that has long-lasting consequences — and now, a price tag to match,” said one rural advocate.
Expect stricter due diligence from buyers — and perhaps a flood of historic claims from those who feel they were misled in similar ways.
🔍Final Word: Trust Broken, Justice Delivered
This case is more than a courtroom win — it’s a harsh reminder to the real estate industry that careless claims can ruin lives.
For PGG Wrightson, it’s a public blow to the brand. For the buyers, it’s belated but bitter vindication.
If you’re in the market for rural property, take note: don’t believe the brochure — do your homework.
SOURCE: RNZ