It was meant to be the Kiwi dream: build wealth through property and follow in the footsteps of Du Val group founders Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke. 

But when the Du Val empire collapsed, owing $268 million and leaving investors reeling, that dream came crashing down.

As the Du Val saga continues to unfold, investigative business journalist Maria Slade speaks to investors owed tens of thousands and former staff about the group’s big ambitions, selling tactics, and flashy public persona. 

She also talks with industry experts to examine a system that allowed this to happen, and question why we're so drawn to fringe property schemes.

Brought to you by BusinessDesk with thanks to The Milford Foundation’s Brian Gaynor Business Journalism Initiative and MoneyHub.