Hamilton City Council says it is aware of local businesses being unpaid by a construction company, but it can't do anything.
Starplus Homes, which builds houses in South Auckland and Hamilton, is understood to owe millions to contractors and building suppliers.
Phones at the offices of the two branches have been ringing unanswered.
Mitre 10 Mega in Hamilton told Radio New Zealand it is owed a significant sum of money, but didn't want to make any other comment.
The Hamilton City Council says it has been contacted, but has little involvement in the construction other than certifying the properties.
It says there is nothing it can do to assist the local companies that remain unpaid.