Help is at the end of a telephone line for embattled Blue Chip investors.
The Companies Office and the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants have got together to provide a freephone number to connect Blue Chip investors with chartered accountants who will offer one hour's free advice.
"At this stage the initiative is aimed only at investors of any of the Blue Chip companies that are now in liquidation, and particularly at those people who are in serious straits and in need of immediate financial advice", said commerce minister Lianne Dalziel.
"This initiative enables people to get some initial professional guidance specific to their individual situation."
The 230-odd chartered accountants in the scheme have volunteered their time, but no doubt for many there will be the prospect of generating more business above and beyond the "free hour".
The freephone humber is 0508 197 510.
In other Blue Chip news, liquidators were confirmed today for Blue Chip New Zealand Ltd, being wound up by Australian parent company Northern Crest Investments Ltd.
Northern Crest, formerly Blue Chip Financial Solutions Ltd, announced the liquidation to the ASX last Thursday.
Liquidator Jeff Meltzer confirmed today his firm, Meltzer Mason Heath, had been appointed as the liquidators.
They are the liquidators for the 20 other companies associated with the New Zealand Blue Chip franchise operations.
The first liquidation report to creditors will be available within five working days in accordance with the Companies Act 1993, Mr Meltzer said.
