PHOTO: Ryan has strongly rejected any suggestion that his property businesses have failed financially. STUFF
Eight companies linked to prominent Wellington property investor and landlord Matthew Ryan have been placed into interim receivership by the High Court, although Ryan insists the businesses remain solvent and says he is appealing the decision.
Ryan, who has built a significant residential property portfolio across the Wellington region and has previously owned more than 100 properties, said the court order was the result of a legal dispute with a former partner rather than any financial collapse of his businesses.
According to the appointed interim receivers, the receivership has been established to protect the companies and preserve their assets while the matter is considered further by the court.
Companies Placed Into Interim Receivership
The eight companies affected are:
- Lifestyle Rental Properties Limited
- Lifestyle Loans Limited
- Eastbourne Lifestyle Limited
- Gods Plan Limited
- Lifestyle Trading Limited
- Randwick Mews Limited
- Franklyn Street Limited
- Pinot Grove Limited
Interim receiver Iain Shephard said the appointment allows the receivers to take control of the companies, their assets and income streams while the legal proceedings continue.
He said the receivers would also seek to manage the businesses’ ongoing obligations, including payment of outstanding trading costs and tax liabilities where appropriate.
Ryan Says Businesses Remain Solvent
Ryan has strongly rejected any suggestion that his property businesses have failed financially.
“There has not been a business collapse — the companies are solvent,” he said.
He explained the receivership followed an ex parte application made by a former partner, meaning the application was heard by the court without him being present.
Ryan said he only became aware of the application after the court order had already been granted.
“I’m certain the application would have failed if I’d had the opportunity to reply,” he said.
He confirmed he has lodged an appeal against the interim receivership order.
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Well-Known Figure in Wellington Property Market
Ryan has been a familiar figure within Wellington‘s residential property investment sector for many years, frequently commenting publicly on the housing market, property investment and rental issues.
His portfolio has included more than 100 investment properties across the region, making him one of Wellington’s more recognisable private landlords.
He has also previously been acknowledged by DCM (Downtown Community Ministry) for making properties available to support community housing initiatives for people experiencing homelessness.
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Ongoing Criminal Proceedings
Separate from the receivership proceedings, Ryan is also facing criminal charges that remain before the courts.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges including:
- Strangulation or suffocation
- Threatening to kill or cause grievous bodily harm
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
Those matters are expected to proceed to trial in late 2026 or early 2027.
Earlier this year, Ryan also pleaded guilty to two charges of making an intimate visual recording and two charges of publishing an intimate visual recording.
Previous High-Profile Property Disputes
Ryan has previously featured in several well-publicised property disputes.
In 2018, he successfully pursued a Tenancy Tribunal case involving a foreign diplomat who was protected by diplomatic immunity after allegedly leaving more than $20,000 in unpaid rent.
He also became involved in a separate tenancy dispute involving former Wellington Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos, with the Tenancy Tribunal ultimately ruling in Ryan’s favour after Serepisos refused to vacate a property Ryan had purchased.
What Happens Next?
The interim receivership is designed to preserve the companies and their assets while the legal issues surrounding ownership and control are resolved through the courts.
Ryan’s appeal against the High Court order is expected to determine whether the receivership remains in place or is overturned.
For now, the receivers continue to oversee the companies’ operations pending further direction from the court.