Christchurch Couple Awarded $40,000 After Discovering Hidden Cash in Home Ceiling

A Christchurch couple who uncovered a large stash of cash hidden inside the ceiling of their home will receive $40,000 following a settlement approved by the High Court.

The married couple, who have one child, bought the property in December 2021. Several months later, in May 2022, an electrician working in the ceiling space made a surprising discovery while carrying out work at the house.

Inside the roof cavity, five sealed plastic bags coated in dust were located. The bags contained a large amount of cash. One of the homeowners was present during the discovery and contacted police shortly afterwards.

Officers attended the property and confirmed the bags contained $232,440 in New Zealand currency, most of it made up of $50 notes.

Authorities believed the cash was likely linked to criminal activity, with investigators suggesting it may have been proceeds from illegal drug operations. Police later began legal action to seize the money under laws that allow suspected criminal assets to be forfeited to the state.

In February 2024, police applied to the High Court seeking a forfeiture order over the funds. The application argued that the money was connected to criminal offending and should therefore be confiscated. A restraining order was also placed on the cash while the case progressed through the legal system.

The homeowners challenged the move, arguing they had a legal claim to the money after discovering it inside the property they had purchased.

Both sides presented written submissions and legal arguments during court proceedings. After hearing the case, the judge initially reserved his decision while considering the issues involved.

Following further discussions between legal representatives after the hearing, an agreement was eventually reached between the parties. The terms of that settlement were then submitted to the High Court for approval.

Under the final agreement endorsed by the court, the money will remain with the Crown. However, the homeowners will receive a payment of $40,000 in recognition of their role in reporting the discovery to authorities.

The judge noted in the decision that rewarding people who come forward after discovering suspicious cash helps encourage honesty. Without such recognition, there is a risk that individuals might be less inclined to report large sums of unexplained money to authorities.

The unusual case drew attention because of the significant amount of cash discovered hidden inside a residential property and the legal questions surrounding ownership of found money believed to be linked to crime.