Background
This case concerns the prosecution of Mark Andrew Turnock and Andrew Hrothgar Robinson, directors of Strategic Planning Group Investment (SPGI) entities, following a joint investigation by New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and Serious Fraud Office (SFO) into false financial reporting.
Between 2013 and 2016, the FMA pursued charges under the Financial Reporting Act relating to false statements made in the financial statements of SPG Investment Company No 1 Ltd. Both defendants faced two charges for making false statements in company financial documents. The SFO laid charges against Andrew Hrothgar Robinson but did not bring charges against Mark Andrew Turnock.
Key procedural milestones included multiple remands on residential bail, case review hearings, and trial scheduling delays. The prosecution was transferred to the Auckland High Court in July 2014, with a two‑week trial initially scheduled for April 2015. The matter experienced adjournments before proceeding to guilty pleas later in 2015.
In September and October 2015, both defendants pleaded guilty to the FMA charges. Andrew Hrothgar Robinson was sentenced on 27 October 2015 to 12 months’ imprisonment. Mark Andrew Turnock pleaded guilty in October 2015 and was subsequently sentenced on 22 June 2016 to four months’ home detention and 200 hours of community work.
The case highlights regulatory enforcement action taken to uphold financial reporting standards and director accountability, and demonstrates the coordinated role of the FMA and SFO in responding to serious breaches of financial disclosure obligations.
The Serious Fraud Office has also laid separate charges under the Crimes Act against Mr Robinson.
