Full Breakdown
Investigation of Landlords Nick Hoogwerf and Donna Miers by MBIE
4/5/2026, 3:42:35 AM
Overview of Allegations
Nick Hoogwerf and Donna Miers, a mother-son landlord duo, are currently under investigation by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) following multiple complaints regarding their management of rental properties in New Zealand. The complaints include allegations of uninhabitable living conditions, failure to lodge tenant bonds, and breaches of the Healthy Homes Standards.
Background on Properties and Complaints
The investigation stems from a property located on Chapel Street in Greymouth, purchased by Miers in 2019 under the business name Chapel Corner. This commercial property was divided into eight units, alongside two residential units. A tenant at this property claimed it was uninhabitable, with tribunal adjudicator Ross Armstrong noting that the conditions were well below acceptable standards and did not match the online advertisement. Despite the serious nature of the claims, the tribunal dismissed the case due to a lack of response from the tenant and the landlords.
Additionally, there have been multiple tribunal decisions since 2023 involving Hoogwerf, who has been accused of not attending hearings. Reports indicate a history of misconduct, including a previous order to pay over $30,000 for illegally subletting a property without the owner's consent and failing to meet legal obligations regarding tenant bonds.
Tenant Experiences and Complaints
Recent tenants have voiced their concerns about the conditions of properties managed by Hoogwerf and Miers. Ziggy Humberstone, a former tenant, described her experience in a Birkenhead property as extremely difficult, citing issues such as unaddressed bond lodging and poor living conditions. Humberstone and her flatmate reported that their bond had not been lodged, leading to a tribunal ruling in their favor, although they have yet to receive the payment.
Another tenant, Annie Binstead, also took action against the pair for failing to return her bond. Binstead reported confrontational situations involving Hoogwerf and expressed concerns about the lack of accountability from landlords in adhering to legal obligations.
Official Statements and Responses
Hoogwerf maintains that he is "fit to be a landlord" and is aware of the ongoing investigation, expressing willingness to participate in any hearings. Miers acknowledged that concerns have been raised but stated that no formal findings have been made against her. She emphasized that complaints do not equate to established wrongdoing.
In response to the allegations, Hoogwerf described the claims from former tenants as "broad and loaded," asserting that their accounts are not complete or neutral. He criticized the effectiveness of the tribunal process, suggesting that pursuing claims may not yield practical results.
Criticism and Calls for Accountability
Critics, including former tenants, have called for stronger accountability measures to protect tenants from landlords who fail to meet legal obligations. Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring landlords comply with regulations, highlighting existing enforcement mechanisms and ongoing efforts to improve accountability in the rental sector.
What's Next
The investigation by MBIE is ongoing, with three of the four complaints still under review by the Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team (TCIT). Tenants like Humberstone hope for appropriate action to be taken, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability in the rental market.
