A prominent Wellington landlord and property investor with a long and controversial public profile has admitted to multiple criminal charges involving intimate recordings 💥

Matthew Ryan appeared in the Wellington District Court this week, pleading guilty to:

• Two counts of making an intimate visual recording
• Two counts of publishing an intimate visual recording

The case adds another chapter to the long-running public attention surrounding one of Wellington’s best-known property owners.

⚖️ Serious Charges Still Before The Courts

While Ryan admitted to several charges, a number of serious allegations remain disputed.

He has entered not guilty pleas to charges including:

• Threatening to kill
• Strangulation

Those matters are expected to proceed to trial later this year or in early 2027.

🏢 A Major Wellington Landlord

Ryan has been a highly visible figure within Wellington’s property market for years.

At one stage, he reportedly owned more than:

🏘️ 100+ properties

He has frequently commented publicly on:

• Housing investment
• Property markets
• Rental housing issues

🤝 Links To Community Housing

Despite controversy over the years, Ryan has also been recognised for involvement in housing support initiatives.

DCM — the Wellington organisation supporting homeless people — previously praised Ryan for leasing properties for community housing purposes.

📜 Previous Public Controversies

Ryan’s name has appeared in several high-profile property disputes over the years 👇

🌍 2018 Diplomatic Immunity Rental Dispute

Ryan and co-owner Rebecca Van Den Bos were involved in a widely publicised Tenancy Tribunal matter involving:

• An overseas diplomat
• More than $20,000 in unpaid rent
• Diplomatic immunity complications

The case attracted national media attention at the time.

⚽ 2019 Terry Serepisos Property Battle

Ryan was also caught up in a heated tenancy dispute involving former:

Terry Serepisos

• Former Wellington Phoenix owner
• Well-known businessman and TV personality

The Tenancy Tribunal ultimately ruled in Ryan’s favour, allowing possession of the property.

👀 Public Figure In Wellington Property Scene

Over the years, Ryan has built a reputation as a:

✔ Aggressive property investor
✔ Highly visible landlord
✔ Polarising figure within Wellington housing discussions

Supporters have pointed to his investment scale and housing supply contributions.

Critics have often questioned aspects of his approach and public controversies.

⚠️ Legal Reminder

The remaining allegations against Ryan remain before the courts.

👉 He is entitled to the presumption of innocence on all charges not yet resolved.

Further proceedings are expected later this year.

🔥 The Bottom Line

One of Wellington’s most recognisable landlords is now facing significant legal scrutiny after pleading guilty to multiple intimate recording charges.

With additional serious charges still ahead of trial, the case is likely to continue drawing major attention across New Zealand’s property and legal sectors.