Construction labour hire company R-Lits Contracting’s debts are now at about NZD 8.3 million (USD 4.9 million), according to a filing with the New Zealand Companies Register. The firm has been in liquidation since 7 October.

Employee claims total NZD 759,349 (USD 448,800). New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department is listed as being owed nearly NZD 4.2 million (USD 2.5 million).

The liquidator told Stuff.co.nz that written “demands for repayment” have been sent to R-Lits’ sole director and shareholder Raymond Bishop and others. The liquidator also said the Bishop family was not cooperating with the liquidation. Stuff also reported the liquidator has also sent demands to brothers Spencer and Roy Bishop — the brothers along with Raymond have been involved in several companies that have been liquidated.

The liquidator filed a first report on 11 November.