Dave Versus Goliath

The opening of a new hotel in Christchurch coincided with the launch of a film detailing the unusual story behind its development. Hotel SO is the result of property developer Dave Henderson’s 13-year clash with the NZ Inland Revenue Department (IRD). We’re Here to Help captures the battle on film: from Henderson’s complaint about comments made to his girlfriend while seeking a rebate, to IRD’s subsequent audit of his business and resulting million dollar claim, and the ensuing 4-year court battle which ended in Henderson’s favour. Rather than resting on his laurels, Henderson bought the building that housed the IRD, evicted its tenants and set up the hip, ultra-modern Hotel SO. He now plans to open similar hotels in Auckland, London and New York.