Morning Headlines | Fear we’ll lose more talent in public service cuts and New Zealand sees renewed growth in international education | Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Two adjoining hospitality businesses in Ōrewa have been tipped into liquidation over unpaid taxes, with the initial liquidator’s report showing hundreds of thousands of dollars in outstanding wages are still owed to former employees.
Oliver’s Cafe and Coast – Bites & Brews, trading under the entities BNS Co Limited andBNS Group Limited, respectively, both entered liquidation on March 26, with the Official Assignee appointed by the High Court at Auckland as the liquidator.
The Official Assignee has now released its initial liquidator’s report into the complementary businesses, where Binh Anh Trang and Khieng Chiv are listed as directors and shareholders.
According to the report, both Oliver’s Cafe and Coast are believed to have ceased trading around August 2025, with the lease understood to be in arrears and subsequently terminated by the landlord through court action.
The amount both businesses owe to Inland Revenue (IRD) is still being determined, along with the costs and disbursements for the applicant creditor.
The report shows ex-Coast employees are seeking $239,378.88 in unpaid wages, while ex-employees of Oliver’s Cafe have a combined claim of $93,842.83.
Unsecured creditors at Coast and Oliver’s Cafe are also owed $2720.14 and $21,262.38, respectively, with IRD and the Auckland Council (non-rates) listed as the potential creditors.
“The company’s bank accounts were closed, and bank statements have been received. These will be reviewed,” both reports said.
“Inquiries by the liquidator indicate that the company sold some chattels (plant/equipment) to another entity pursuant to a sale and purchase agreement dated 28 November 2024.
“Further information will be sought in this regard.”
Two vehicles remain actively registered to Oliver’s Cafe, while there are indications that Coast historically owned some too, according to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) records.
“The liquidator will conduct a full investigation of the available records to determine whether any assets can be realised, whether the shareholder current account should be recovered, and whether any irregular transactions require clawback,” both reports said.
“The liquidator will also consider whether referral for potential breaches of the Companies Act 1993 is warranted.
“Further information is being gathered before any determination is made.”
