Wellington Live Owner Graham Bloxham’s Media Empire Under Fire: Company Faces Removal & $30K Wage Ruling

Wellington’s digital news sensation Wellington Live may soon be more known for legal headaches than viral videos. Owner Graham Bloxham’s media company, In Your Pocket Media Limited, is staring down the barrel of removal from the New Zealand Companies Register — and that’s just the start.

The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has ordered Bloxham’s company to pay nearly $30,000 in unpaid wages and PAYE to a former employee, exposing troubling financial management. On top of this, the Companies Office has issued a formal notice warning the company faces removal due to failure to file essential documents.

The ERA’s ruling, released on [exact date], lays bare a disturbing story of missed wage payments and statutory tax obligations. The nearly $30,000 owed includes back pay, unpaid PAYE, and compensation for the employee — a significant black mark for any company.

Such rulings don’t just hit the wallet. They raise serious questions about the company’s internal governance and financial health, particularly when paired with the Companies Office’s warning.

The notice from the Companies Office  — reveals that In Your Pocket Media Limited has repeatedly failed to submit its annual returns and update shareholder details. Under Section 318(1)(b) of the Companies Act 1993, this non-compliance puts the company at risk of being struck off the official register.

Removal effectively kills a company’s legal standing, making it impossible to trade or enter into contracts, and can have ripple effects for creditors, employees, and partners.

This isn’t Bloxham’s first rodeo. His name appears linked to a string of companies in the Wellington area — some thriving, some dissolved:

• In Your Pocket Media Limited (current) — Parent company of Wellington Live, registered in 2022 with Bloxham as sole director and shareholder.

• Wellington Live Limited (active) — Media publishing entity fully owned by Bloxham.

• Social Plate Limited (removed) — Previously operated by Bloxham, now removed.

• Cooking Should Be Fun Wellington Limited (removed).

• Sensational Scooters Limited (struck off in 2001).

• iStation Limited (director resigned 2004).

Such a trail of business activity — with multiple removals and resignations — may hint at patterns worth digging into for those following Bloxham’s media ventures.

CloseUp reached out to Graham Bloxham for comment on the ERA ruling and the Companies Office notice. At the time of publication, no response has been received. We will update this story if and when we hear back.

Wellington Live commands a large local audience, shaping conversations and sharing community stories daily. The troubles facing Bloxham’s company put the stability of this popular outlet into question — and raise broader concerns about accountability in local media.

This report is based on:

• Public Employment Relations Authority rulings

• New Zealand Companies Register data

• Official Companies Office removal notices

• Historic company filings linked to Bloxham

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