15th September 2025

Could this happen in your business?
A recent ruling by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) in New Zealand has highlighted a devastating case of internal fraud. A former employee of a property management firm siphoned off $869,000 in rental bond money, exploiting gaps in the company’s internal controls.

The financial loss was staggering, but the reputational damage could be even more severe.

Could your business survive a hit like this?
For many small to medium-sized enterprises, a loss of this magnitude could be terminal. It’s a sobering reminder that safeguards, systems, and basic processes like separation of duties are not just best practice—they’re essential.

Too often, individuals are given too much control over end-to-end processes, creating opportunities for errors or, worse, deliberate misappropriation. In this case, the lack of oversight allowed funds to be siphoned off without detection for an extended period.

Is your business protected?
Are your systems robust enough to prevent this kind of breach?
Are they built on best practice principles that ensure accountability and transparency?

If you’re unsure, it’s time to act. For peace of mind, contact Owen, our specialist in real estate and property management businesses. Owen can undertake a comprehensive review of your processes to identify any gaps and help you strengthen your systems—before it’s too late.

Talk to us

Owen Wong
Email: owen.wong@bentleysnz.com
Phone: +64 9 600 3900

Stay in touch. Please do not hesitate to contact your client advisor.