Regulator investigates Bernard Whimp’s Chance Voight after High Court appoints liquidator
Monday, 15 December 2025
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko says it is investigating Christchurch-based Chance Voight Investment Corporation, which was put into interim liquidation by the High Court in Christchurch.
Chance Voight is the investment operation of Bernard Whimp, who became famous more than a decade ago for making unsolicited offers to shareholders in several large companies including Contact Energy and Fletcher Building for lower-than market prices.
The offers, which were dubbed “low-ball” offers by critics, caused controversy as critics said he was preying on naive investors who did not know the true value of their shares.
In its statement, the FMA said it was investigating Chance Voight Investment Corporation, its subsidiaries and “persons and entities associated with the Chance Voight Group”.
PWC confirmed its insolvency practitioners Malcolm Hollis, John Fisk and Lara Bennett had been appointed as interim liquidators from December 10 over six Chance Voight entities.
Read More:
Leaked BDO report says privatising meat inspections will drive up costs
Lifting the veil on ‘financial abuse’ through the tax system
“The investigation is ongoing,” the FMA said.
It said it could make no comment further due to court suppression orders and an FMA confidentiality order.
The Post approached Bernard Whimp for comment. Whimp said: “Absolutely we are challenging the liquidation.”
Earlier he emailed a statement, which read: “What a fantastic 'dog' act by the regulator.”
“There will be lots of comment available from me over coming days.”
In a second email, he said: “Leaders must lead at all times and in all circumstances, for me it's just another D-Day on the Normandy beaches.”
PWC said Chance Voight provided financial services, investments (including property investments), and other financial products.
It said the interim liquidation covered; Chance Voight Investment Corporation Limited, Chance Voight Investment Partners Limited, CVI Securities Limited, CVI Financial Limited, CVI Partners Mortgage Fund Limited, and CVI Partners Mortgage Income Fund Limited.
PWC said: “The interim liquidators are required to report to the Christchurch High Court by 26 January 2026. Subject to any material matters arising, a further update can be provided following this.”
In 2021, Whimp began advertising Chance Voight Investment Partners, saying he was creating a hedge fund aimed at finding bargains in the Australian sharemarket.
At the time, Whimp said he was aiming at attracting “eligible” investors with a high level of investment knowledge and experience to invest in “unregulated offers”.
Chance Voight Investment Corporation is based in Cone Street in Rangiora, near Christchurch.
The Companies Office lists 33 shareholders including a trustee company, Whimp, and a number of private investors.