The abrupt closure of Petone luxury car dealership O’Reilly’s Garage has left financiers, Wellington elites, and customers in the dark following the disappearance of owner Simon O’Reilly, according to reports from 1news and BusinessDesk. The business was placed into receivership on Wednesday, with Avanti Finance appointing receivers BDO, while Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) financing statements show 36 registrations indicating the business owes money on dozens of vehicles and other assets.
Financiers and Philanthropists Blindsided
MTF Finance director Geoff Kenny, who is also owed money by the business, stated that O’Reilly had up and closed the business and relocated his family. Kenny reported holding security over two O’Reilly’s Garage vehicles, a motorhome, and a 22-metre Halmatic boat, noting he had successfully taken control of the boat on Waiheke Island but had not yet located the motorhome. PPSR financing statements show the garage owes money on assets including a 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, a 2025 Mercedes GLE 450, and a 1968 Ford Mustang. BusinessDesk reported that the Mustang was sold without its owner’s knowledge, leaving the owner to investigate their legal position.
Petone Dealership Premises Go up for Lease
The dealership’s premises at 140 Hutt Road in Petone are currently up for lease, promoted by listing agent Bayleys as an outstanding opportunity to secure a high-profile showroom. Bayleys agent Ethan Hourigan stated the agency was instructed to put the property on the market, though agents had not yet been able to access the facility. The dealership’s website featured zero cars for sale, its Facebook page appeared to have been taken down, and Foton NZ confirmed that O’Reilly’s Garage recently ended its dealership arrangement for Chinese-made Foton utes. Previously sold vehicles listed on the site included a 1997 Aston Martin AMV8, a 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and a 2010 Ferrari California.
Property investor and supercar enthusiast Steve Goodey raised concerns regarding regulatory oversight, having previously lodged a complaint with the Registrar of Motor Vehicle Traders at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) over the sale of his Ferrari Portofino. MBIE registrar Duncan Connor stated the agency received a first complaint in 2024, which was investigated and closed after finding no breach of the Motor Vehicle Sales Act, and received a second complaint this month that is currently under assessment. O’Reilly has not responded to phone calls, text messages, or email inquiries.