The Fall of the House of Du Val

1. Selling the Dream

The Fall of the House of Du Val

Show Notes

A big-talking showman and his charismatic wife: Who are Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke?

Maria Slade talks to a Du Val investor and friend who gave Kenyon his start in real estate and describes him as exceptional.

We hear how Kenyon rose phoenix-like from his first business collapse, and as the New Zealand housing market boomed yet again, vowed to create a billion-dollar empire.

The Clarkes were prolific self-promoters, even making a reality tv series about themselves.

But was it a veneer?

Brought to you by BusinessDesk with thanks to The Milford Foundation’s Brian Gaynor Business Journalism Initiative and MoneyHub.

Host, researcher, writer: Maria Slade Producer: Hamish Williams Lead Sound Design: Mick Andrews Additional Sound Design: Lara Healy Executive Producers: Jane Yee and Duncan Bridgeman

https://businessdesk.co.nz/du-val See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More from The Fall of the House of Du Val

Dec 21, 2025

For decades, New Zealand’s love affair with property has pulled everyday investors into schemes that promise certainty and deliver risk. Over and over again, the same story.

Dec 14, 2025

For decades, property has been sold to New Zealanders as a sure path to financial security. But history tells a more complicated story.

Dec 7, 2025

As rumours swirled of work stalling on Du Val sites due to non-payment, subcontractors were left demanding answers. What they got instead were tense meetings and vague promises.

Nov 30, 2025

Maria Slade speaks to an investor who lost tens of thousands in Du Val about why she ignored the red flags.

Nov 26, 2025

The glamour, the ambition, and how it all came crashing down.

See all episodes →