Hawke’s Bay architect may lose house, Husband and wife to repay $1.4m, Brazilian company’s Kiwi bargain

In NBR Print today: Prominent Hawke’s Bay architect and owner of the Black Barn Winery, Andy Coltart, faces losing the designer homestead he lives in after a property deal involving wealthy investors turned sour. But, as Duncan Bridgeman reports, there is more to this than a simple mortgagee sale. Charlie’s co-founder, Stefan Lepionka, squares off with a bankrupt Australian while an American billionaire with links to Bill Gates and Sir Eion Edgar’s sons sit on the sidelines.

A former rest home operator turned real estate agent says he will appeal a court judgment that ruled he and his wife should repay the company more than $1.4 million. Torbay Rest Home in Auckland took a claim against Duncan Napier and his wife, Sara, earlier this year, alleging the pair used more than $1.9 million of the rest home’s funds “as their own.” Hamish McNicol reports

Why have Sam Morgan and Shane Bradley invested in a cleaning company? Technology editor Chris Keall goes in search of the answers.

New Zealand is one of the few developed countries that can boast a government budget surplus. But in his Order Paper column, Rob Hosking says the government must ignore calls to deliver some “fiscal stimulus.” This is the best economic opportunity for two generations to build a “buffer” against future shocks.

Dunedin investors have welcomed another overseas company into their midst but is Brazilian giant JBS getting a bargain for a controlling stake in Scott Techology? Nevil Gibson covers the acquisition in Margin Call.

Global asset managers are beginning to roll out more so-called “impact imvestment” funds that target social or environmental causes as well as a return on investment. Recent JP Morgan research found there is $US46 billion in sustainable investments under management, up nearly 20% from last year. Calida Smylie looks at what’s on offer for local investors.

Solid Energy’s debt to Cargill has a strange shape. Tim Hunter explores the origins of the $27.5 million legal claim

Experts are picking the official cash rate to stay lower for longer, despite a rate cut next week now looking less likely. Jason Walls and Rob Hosking take a fresh economic pulse test ahead of next week’s Reserve Bank decision.

Auckland Transport (AT) is planning a major advertising campaign to run alongside upcoming traffic disruption but marketing experts say it will need to up its game if recent campaigns are anything to go by.  Chelsea Armitage reports.

Don't miss NBR's Special Feature: Doing business in China.

All this and more in today's National Business Review Print Edition. Out now.