Police Investigate Construction Company Director for Fraudulent Practices

Police are investigating Hemi Arapeta Tiopira, the director of Enzed Construction, following allegations from homeowners who claim he took tens of thousands of dollars for construction work that was either poorly executed or never completed. The complaints have prompted action from law enforcement and scrutiny from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Several former clients, including residents from Wellington, Waipukurau, and Lower Hutt, reported paying more than $60,000 up front for projects involving repiling their homes. They described a pattern of initial professionalism and promptness from Tiopira, who required a deposit of approximately 50 percent before work commenced. However, as the projects progressed, many clients noted that Tiopira ceased communication and failed to show up at job sites.

In response to these complaints, police have launched an investigation. A police spokesperson confirmed they received “supplementary information from the victim which has prompted police to investigate. Enquiries are ongoing.”

MBIE’s Involvement

The investigation by police coincides with an MBIE inquiry into Tiopira’s business practices. MBIE’s occupational regulation manager Duncan Connor revealed that the agency is examining complaints alleging that Tiopira conducted restricted building work without the necessary licenses or supervision. As this investigation is active, Connor declined to provide further details to avoid compromising the process.

On October 16, 2023, Enzed Construction was issued a ‘Notice of Intent to Remove’ from the Companies Register under section 318 of the Companies Act 1993. This legal action can be taken for various reasons, including failure to comply with corporate responsibilities or liquidation. The MBIE’s Business Registries manager, Bolen Ng, indicated that a request for information regarding Tiopira’s identity and address was sent to Enzed Construction on August 29, 2023. The company was required to respond by September 15, 2023, but no response was received, leading to the move for removal from the register. Ng noted that objections to this removal could be filed until November 19, 2023, but as of October 17, 2023, no objections had been submitted.

Clients Left in Limbo

Many former clients are frustrated by the lack of communication from Tiopira. Warren Fitzgerald, a former client, expressed relief that MBIE is investigating, as he has yet to receive any reimbursement or updates from the director.

Another client, Patrice Lobb, shared her disappointment, stating, “It died a death. We’ve just put it behind us now, and we’re just carrying on.”

In a particularly poignant case, Valerie Huxley, whose husband passed away during her dealings with Enzed Construction, has had to hire a new company to complete the repiling of her home. “I hate paying for things twice, but it has to be done,” she lamented.

As the investigation unfolds, the impact on all involved remains significant, highlighting the pressing need for accountability and transparency within the construction sector.