Hotchin sues Herald, leading analyst for alleged defamation

Mark Hotchin. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Former Hanover Finance director Mark Hotchin is suing the Herald and leading business commentator Brian Gaynor for defamation over criticisms about the company's collapse.

In a statement of claim lodged with the High Court at Auckland, Hotchin referred to a number of columns and a profile feature published in the Weekend Herald between 2008 and 2011.

It says the articles had damaged his personal and commercial reputation and caused him to lose commercial opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.

Hanover was the largest privately-owned finance company in New Zealand when it failed in 2008, freezing $554 million and affecting 16,500 investors.

Hotchin is represented by Hanover's old law firm, Chapman Tripp, and has retained Julian Miles QC as counsel.

The Herald will strongly defend the action.

- NZHERALD STAFF