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Owner leaves dealership

Posted on 05 November, 2017
Owner leaves dealership

Nigel Thompson has quit a car dealership business amid allegations of misconduct.

As revealed by Stuff.co.nz, the longstanding dealer used to run one of the largest car yards in Christchurch under the name "Nigel Thompson Motor Company".

The business has reportedly had financial issues. In November last year former Kiwis coach, Frank Endacott and his son, took a 50 per cent share in the business helping to pay creditors and provide working capital.

Stuff reports Thompson left the business in September and the remaining shares were transferred to the Endacotts.

It also reports the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Inland Revenue have confirmed that they are launching an inquiry. In a statement to Stuff, Frank Endacott said the family would keep the business running on their own.

The car yard would operate under the Nigel Thompson name for the time being but is planning to rebrand in the near-future, he said. Thompson has allegedly formed an association the Aranui-based Celebration Centre church. The associated trust is opening a yard where Thompson will be an employee, says Stuff.

The profits from the car operation will go directly to the local community, the church says. Church spokesman, Corey Watkinson, said to Stuff that he was aware of investigations into Thompson but was not concerned about the claims about his activities.

The church, a registered charity, has an income of about $1 million a year from tithes and donations.

Thompson said in a statement to Stuff that he was "unaware" of the ongoing investigations and the commercial relationship with the Endacotts "was ended by agreement".

"The terms of the agreement are commercially sensitive and confidential as between the parties save as to record that all parties agree that any disputes . . . are settled." Stuff reports Thompson has denied any allegations of dishonest conduct. 

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