Fraud blamed for homes franchise going under

Signature Homes has blamed fraud for the liquidation of its Clive-based Signature Homes Hawke's Bay franchise.
Chief executive Phillip Howe said tens of thousands of dollars was involved but because of the depressed housing market the franchise was unable to trade its way out of the situation.
Hawke's Bay had followed the national trend of record-low new housing consents in April.
Five unfinished houses would be completed under a company guarantee.
The owner of the troubled franchise was also the owner of Signature Homes, Gavin Hunt. He had formed the Clive franchise in 2006.
The Hastings Signature Homes franchise continued to trade successfully.