FMA warns investors in Rangiora firm as interim liquidators appointed and assets restricted

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has issued a warning to investors in Rangiora-based investment firm Chance Voight, urging them to carefully consider their position before providing any further funds to director Bernard Whimp or related entities.

The warning follows reports that Whimp has contacted investors since the appointment of interim liquidators, including requests for payments described as donations to cover legal expenses.

FMA head of enforcement Margot Gatland said investors should fully inform themselves before making any payments and recommended they direct any questions about their investments or communications from Whimp to the interim liquidators, as well as seek independent legal or financial advice.

The FMA has applied to the High Court to place Chance Voight Investment Corporation Limited and a number of associated companies into liquidation, saying there are grounds to believe the group may be insolvent and that its affairs may have been conducted in breach of the Companies Act and the Financial Markets Conduct Act.

The regulator said it had engaged with Whimp over several months and issued four compulsory information notices seeking accounting and financial records, but was not satisfied with the responses received.

Pending the Court’s decision on liquidation, interim liquidators have been appointed to investigate the companies and preserve their assets.

The Court has also granted interim asset preservation orders against Whimp and subsidiary Hanmer Equities Limited, preventing assets from being moved overseas while allowing access to personal assets. The liquidation application is expected to be heard in the New Year, with interim liquidators required to report to the Court by 26 January 2026.

Image credit: Jakub Zerdzicki