Dave Henderson's Tax Battle to be Filmed.

Auckland film director, John Barnett (Whale Rider, Jubilee, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, End of the Golden Weather, Sione's Wedding) has a new project.

His next film will be the story of Christchurch businessman, Dave Henderson's legendary, four year scrap with the IRD.


According to this morning's Press, Barnett bought the film rights to Dave Henderson's book "Be Very Afraid' One Man's Stand Against the IRD" three years ago.

Barnett described the story as one that should have international appeal, "because it has the universal theme of the little man against the big machine"

I must confess to knowing a little about Dave's battle, because my wife, Tracey was Dave's p.a. during much of it. Many times Tracey came home, sometimes very upset, at the latest outrage committed by the IRD.

Dave approached other MPs about his case (the IRD turned a legitimate demand for a GST refund into a bogus bill for nearly a million dollars and refused to justify it), but none did anything useful until Rodney Hide volunteered his assistance.

Dave Henderson said he would be forever grateful for the support he received from Rodney Hide in the case.

Dave was bankrupted by the battle, but eventually won his GST refund and helped spark an enquiry into the practices of the IRD. He re-established his property development business and eventually became the IRD's Christchurch landlord in a building he re-named, "Henderson House".


According to The Press, Dave wants Kevin Costner to play himself, while Rodney is keen on Bruce Willis to play his role.

A great story, a great victory. Should be great movie.