U2 Promoter Sues NZ Hospitality Firm

Melbourne-based Michael Coppel Presents, U2’s Australian and New Zealand promoter, has lodged a NZ$1.2 million civil action against Corporate Host Event Management.

The corporate hospitality company, which is in liquidation, hosted 4,200 guests in a large marquee behind Mt. Smart stadium over two U2 shows in November. U2 is not involved in the financial disputes, and Coppel said the band’s fees have been paid.

Coppel told NZ media that bank statements showed that a large amount of money had been moved between a number of companies, “and it’s unclear where it has come from and where it’s gone.”

It turns out that NZ organizations, including the NZ and Wellington rugby unions and the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, are chasing Capital Events, which is affiliated with Corporate Host Event Management, for a total of $2 million.

The key figures behind the names are former Ernst & Young tax accountant Terry Wilson, who has since gone off to India on holiday, and former Ernst & Young partner Andrew Tauber and South Auckland pub owner Peter Morgan, who are denying responsibility.

— Bryan Jones