I first met Michael about 10 years ago after I'd given up on local garages ever getting my old VW T25 diesel van running again. Michael got it running and I was so grateful that I overlooked the fact that the new engine he installed didn't seem to fit properly, produced clouds of smoke and leaked oil. The first time I went for a WOF, it failed because both headlight lenses were righthand. Michael had needed a lefthand one and took mine. The heater knob was missing when I picked it up but Michael said there wasn't one when I took it in. I bought a new knob but couldn't see how to attach it. Went to auto-electrician who discovered that the whole heater/fan mechanism had been removed. Michael must have needed that too for one of his 30 or so T25s. I got off lightly compared to his more recent victims who told their stories on Fair Go tonight. I think he is a clever mechanic but it's a pity he can't do business honestly.
reasonable,
Aug 18, 8:09am
Mate with people like him , there comes a time when enough is enough . I'm surprised someone hasn't done jail time for him . Clearly the justice system doesn't work . It might set a precedent for other mongrels who rip off Joe Public , it just keeps on happening . These people need to be accountable for their actions - why are we so nice ?
cjohnw,
Aug 18, 9:07am
The disputes tribunal, small claims court, call it what you like, has no teeth. The Justice system makes it hugely difficult to get accountability and recompense. In our case, even though we won, and had court orders in our favour the bailiff just gave up in the end. We lost $20k to a shyster. You feel utterly helpless. It’s a joke.
msigg,
Aug 18, 5:09pm
Yes fair go did a good job, one of the bro's need to sort him out. No one will get any dosh here.
kazbanz,
Aug 18, 7:52pm
The issue is that the guy has totally asset stripped himself. So he personally has a heap of debt but no personal assets. "his' company belongs to his wife. The family assets belong to his wife. All contracts have been between people and him personally. Its a very "clever" way of exploiting the law that protects spouses/kids from their partners bad doings.
vivac,
Aug 19, 5:12am
With these type of people you can only hope they rip off the wrong guy one day and get their teeth smashed in, all too commonly they get away with stuff like this over and over again.
laurelanne,
Aug 19, 5:18am
I just hope his wife finds someone better.
3tomany,
Aug 19, 5:25am
We have a protection system way better at dealing with these guys. If the courts can not touch him and the police can not touch him then it is time to call in the national guard. Works every time. I bet he would find the money to pay everyone back.
kazbanz,
Aug 19, 5:57am
near as l can tell she is as bad or worse
sr2,
Aug 19, 6:18am
We don't have a National Guard?
saxman99,
Aug 19, 6:23am
Well, not an offical one.
tgray,
Aug 19, 6:25am
If I approached you in the street and demanded you hand over your money, I would be arrested for theft and face possible jail. How can people like this get away with it? Even though it is much worse and involves huge sums of money, Police say they are civil matters and don't want to get involved.
3tomany,
Aug 19, 6:25am
Yes we do. You just have to know the secret number.
3tomany,
Aug 19, 6:27am
I think the guy is a fraudster and should be treated as such by the authorities.
gabbysnana,
Aug 19, 7:02am
you could have used your order to bankrupt.
kazbanz,
Aug 19, 7:40pm
for 20k I'd be getting a collection company on to it.
supernova2,
Aug 19, 8:34pm
I'm absolutely astounded that he has managed to survive in Rotorua. Certain local groups don't take kindly to his type of behaviour. Not quite the debt collector Kaz was suggesting but a hell of a lot more effective. As for the Police calling it a civil matter words simply fail me.
I don’t follow. If one only broke/removed his arms and legs he might survive.
cjohnw,
Aug 19, 10:45pm
He went to the extent of closing his company and reopening under another name. His accountant submitted a false statement to the court that he was broke. A lying builder who did a major stuff-up on a roof, which we had to replace. He owned nothing, everything was either leased or in his wife’s name. This happened a few years ago now. Long gone.
xs1100,
Aug 26, 6:10am
theres always other options
phatairnz,
Dec 1, 10:17pm
His name is Lindsay Michael Simmonds, and his wifes name is Svetlana. She owns all the assets and he does the dealing. These people are on trademe under the username t25kiwi. Make sure you add them to your blacklist!
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