More Hotchin data sought

Mark Hothcin. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Serious Fraud Office served former Hanover Finance director Mark Hotchin with papers to hand over company information during his visit to New Zealand last week.

SFO general manager Simon McArley said mountains of information had to be collected - and had been supplied.

"We are continuing to collect information. It's dribbling in. It was a big company, the second largest [finance firm] in New Zealand. We have to collect it, process it and then try to understand it," Mr McArley said.

Last month the Securities Commission froze Mr Hotchin's New Zealand assets.

The commission said at the time the unprecedented move was fuelled by a desire to collect money for investors in case any civil claims were brought against Hanover and Mr Hotchin, who is living on the Gold Coast.

The details of what has been frozen have not been made publicly available.

Mr Hotchin is trying to have the order revoked, but the case is not expected to be heard until next month.

On November 29, the SFO announced it was investigating the affairs of Hanover Finance and had been doing so for three months.

SFO chief executive Adam Feeley said at the time the investigation had reached a point where it was reasonable to believe fraud may have been committed.

Mr Hotchin's lawyer Bruce Stewart, QC, said last night that serving Mr Hotchin for further information was standard.