Seven Domino’s pizza franchise businesses across New Zealand have been placed into liquidation since late 2023, owing a combined $2.29 million to creditors.
Director’s Absence Complicates Recovery Process
Brandon Brooking, the director at the centre of several failed companies, has yet to be found. “Ongoing efforts to locate the director of the company were unsuccessful, and his whereabouts remain unknown,” liquidators confirmed.
The absence of financial documents and a formal statement of affairs leaves little room for optimism around debt recovery for Inland Revenue and other creditors.
Liquidation Events Occurred in Two Distinct Phases
The wave of business failures began on 17 October 2023, when four companies linked to Brooking were placed into liquidation which left behind debts totalling $992,405.
The companies are the following: I a-Dough You (Domino’s Mt Eden), Getting Saucy (Domino’s Takanini), You Want a Pizza Me (Domino’s St Heliers), and Pizzake Limited (Domino’s Te Rapa). These four alone
A second round followed on 12 February 2024, with three more companies—The Pie Chart, Licence to Slice, and Kneadin’ Dough—entering liquidation. These entities added a further $1,299,366 to the tally, pushing total liabilities to $2,291,772.42.
Lack of Records Prevents Creditor Payouts
Liquidator reports paint a bleak picture. In the case of Getting Saucy, the final report stated, “The liquidator was unable to obtain a statement of affairs for the company or access the company’s financial records.” As a result, the company will be removed from the Companies Office register.
Similarly, the final report for You Want a Pizza Me noted, “The liquidation was complete, all known assets had been dealt with, and no funds were available for distribution to creditors.”
Investigations into all seven companies found no significant assets that could be recovered to repay debts.
Inland Revenue Action Indicates Tax Compliance Failures
The liquidations were initiated by Inland Revenue, which remains one of the primary creditors. The department’s involvement points to serious issues with tax compliance.
In the first reports published for the February liquidations, liquidators noted, “The cause of the liquidations seemed to stem from a failure to account for taxation.”
Investigators have been unable to obtain even basic financial documentation from the companies or locate Brooking to assist in the process despite the proceedings.
Ongoing Concerns Over Remaining Directorships
Companies Office records show Brooking is still listed as the director of three additional takeaway pizza businesses: Olive You So Much, The Pizza Boss, and Makin’ Dough. All three companies have overdue annual returns, raising questions about their operational and financial health, adding to the concerns.
Bidfood NZ, Coca-Cola Amatil, and Inland Revenue are among the creditors left out of pocket as liquidation wraps up. Liquidators are preparing to strike the businesses from the register with no assets to recover and the company director missing. The impact continues to move through the foodservice supply chain, leaving behind unpaid bills and unanswered questions.