Bailed developer shipwrecked on a tropical island

By CLAIRE TREVETT

An ill-fated jaunt in a speedboat has left former Auckland property developer Mark Lyon shipwrecked on a tropical island, annoying locals.

Rarotonga police inspector Tere Patia said Lyon set off in his speed- boat on Sunday, October 5, to visit Mangaia, an island 204km away.

When he got there the boat was holed on a reef and the engines flooded, leaving him stranded.

As well, Lyon faced an icy reception from some locals for turning up unannounced on their traditional day of rest.

Lyon, 47, who is on bail, has been living in Rarotonga awaiting a court trial in Auckland on firearms charges.

He has said he was starting a fishing business and rehabilitating from his drug addiction.

Mr Patia said Mangaia's council of elders complained about Lyon's presence on the island to police.

The elders were unhappy that Lyon arrived with no documentation and no warning.

Lyon's reputation had preceded him and the council was worried he would cause trouble, the inspector said.

A local policeman had asked Lyon to leave the next day, but Lyon booked into a motel to wait until his boat could be repaired or shipped back.

Mr Patia said there had been no reports of Lyon causing trouble.

A local source said Lyon made his boat trip in high seas and the engines flooded after it was holed by a reef.

The noise of the boat, a Miami Vice-style, high-powered motorboat, had annoyed people in the quiet town.

The Herald understands Lyon had it shipped over from New Zealand.

Lyon's lawyer in Rarotonga, Norman George, said Lyon should be congratulated for making the trip to Mangaia in just two hours.

"It's a fantastic time, an all-time record for us. I was quite surprised to hear he made the trip and I'm glad he didn't miss the island when he shot across. I'm not too sure about his navigational skills and if you miss the island you're in the middle of the Pacific. You're going to regret it."

Lyon's partner, Susan Bridgeman, had gone with him to Mangaia, but caught a plane back the day after the boat's breakdown.

Mr George had not heard of anyone complaining.

"I understand he was well received," he said. "A lot of the locals accepted him and welcomed him. I spoke to him last night and he said he was having a great time and he loved the island."

The lawyer said Lyon seemed to have settled down.

"He's a new Mark Lyon. Get him away from his gang friends and he's okay."

He said Lyon was expected back in Rarotonga some time today. He was trying to get his boat put on a ship due to pass by the island so it could be returned for repairs.

In January, Lyon's behaviour led to his being banned from five Cook Islands resorts and apartments.

Managers complained of "undesirable behaviour", a broken table, a cracked bed and concerns raised by residents.

Lyon - who had since bought a house - paid for all his damage.