Bluechip case no benchmark: Chapman Tripp

A High Court decision in Napier ordering VPFS Financial Planning to around $260,000 to a 75 year-old widow, Beryl Breeze, for recommending she buy into Blue Chip property investment.

The law firm notes that at least one commentator has claimed that the case could become a "benchmark" for other claims relating to the $80 million Blue Chip collapse last year.

"In our view, it would be premature to claim that Mrs Breeze's victory sets a strong precedent for similar claims.

"Few other cases are likely to be as straightforward as Mrs Breeze's, which required the application of well-settled principles to achieve a common sense outcome."