BLog

Du Val founders assets remain frozen and passports held by court

Stay updated with the latest beauty tips, trends, and news from our salon experts. Our blog is your go-to source for all things beauty.

July 23, 2025
Blogs

Du Val founders assets remain frozen and passports held by court

The founders of the collapsed Du Val companies will continue to have their assets frozen and their passports held by the court, the High Court has ruled.

Du Val is in statutory management, owing more than $300 million, and its main owners, Charlotte and Kenyon Clarke, are in receivership, with a preservation order on their assets.

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) obtained the interim order last August and the couple fought back against that at a hearing last month but the court has agreed with the FMA.

In laying out the background to her decision, Justice Anderson said the High Court had the ability under the Financial Markets Conduct Act to make a range of protective orders for the benefit of "aggrieved persons."

"These are individuals or entities who may have suffered harm or loss as a result of certain conduct that is under investigation by the FMA," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

She noted the FMA's orders were opposed by the Clarkes but ruled they should continue until further order of the court.

The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Ozzy Osbourne dies, a worrying find on Rakiura Stewart Island, and new Coke coming. (Source: 1News)

The decision also upholds the receivership and the overseas travel ban placed on the couple.

Justice Anderson's decision was heavily suppressed, mainly because of suppression orders that arose in hearing, some of which are under appeal.

Then, each side had argued different aspects of the arguments or preliminary evidence could prejudice later action if made public.

rnz.co.nz