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Chris Skelton / Stuff
Eric Watson has not been able to be reached to finalize the estate of his father, who died in 2007. (File photo)
The stepmother of prominent businessman Eric Watson has removed him as executor of his late father’s estate because he cannot be contacted to take the necessary steps for her to move house.
Karen Ruby Watson became a widower in 2007 and her late husband Brian had named their son Eric Watson one of two executors of his father’s estate.
Watson and the other executor, William Gerald Gibson, who worked for Eric Watson, were to pay funeral expenses and estate debts, and transfer what was left to Karen Watson, including the ownership of Nelson’s home that she and her shared. her late husband.
Karen Watson now wants to move to a retirement village and in the process of selling her home discovered that it had not been transferred to her name as it should have been.
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In a recent Supreme Court decision, Justice Francis Cooke said that despite the best efforts of Karen Watson and her attorneys, neither Eric Watson nor the other executor had been located.
There was evidence that at least Eric Watson had received a letter by courier asking him to take the necessary steps so that Karen Watson could move into a retirement home, but nothing was done.
“This unfortunate state of affairs has led Ms. Watson to submit this request,” the judge said.
Karen Watson had told the judge that having to take legal action was stressful and that she wanted it to end.
He did not hesitate to do the orders she wanted.
Hannah Peters / Getty Images
The Warriors were unable to win a Premiership during Eric Watson’s time as owner. (File photo)
“It is clear that Messrs. Watson and Gibson have not acted in accordance with their duties.
“They did not take all the necessary measures to manage the estate,” the judge said.
They had also been out of New Zealand for more than 12 months without naming anyone to perform their duties as executors, in their absence.
“It may well be that they are currently distracted by more pressing matters at this time, but this is having a harrowing impact on [Karen Watson]”Said the judge.
He removed them as executor and appointed Karen Watson as sole executor in their place.
Eric Watson was once high on a list of New Zealand’s richest and owned the Warriors rugby league team, but in recent times the companies he’s associated with have faced costly legal action. both from the New Zealand tax authorities and a business rival.
Watson has been based in the UK for several years.
