Southland businessman arrested and charged with stalking and harassment
Monday 12 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Facebook, Southland District Council
Da Cheng Zhi, also known as Eddie Zhi, was arrested at an Invercargill hotel on Friday. He faces charges of stalking, harassment, and causing harm through digital communication. The allegations involve sending insulting emails to multiple recipients regarding a neighbour.
Key facts
5 facts
- Da Cheng Zhi was arrested at The Langlands Hotel in Invercargill on Friday.
- Zhi faces charges of harassment, stalking, and causing harm by posting digital communication.
- Zhi is due to appear in Gore District Court on Tuesday.
- NZAgri Development has accumulated thousands of dead lamb and calf carcasses at its Tuturau property.
- Zhi was issued a trespass notice by the Southland District Council on 5 October.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Da Cheng Zhi, known as Eddie Zhi, was arrested at an Invercargill hotel on Friday afternoon. He faces charges of harassment, stalking, and causing harm by posting digital communication.
Police documents allege Zhi sent repeated, insulting emails to a neighbour that referenced her family and accused her of corruption. He also allegedly posted to his Facebook page seven times on Thursday morning, despite being banned from using electronic devices.
Zhi told reporters he was checking into The Langlands Hotel when police arrived and told him he had breached bail by "sending an email". He stated he sent emails "with no intention to harm".
The arrest follows a long-running dispute between Zhi's company, NZAgri Development, and local councils over thousands of decaying lamb and calf carcasses at his Tuturau property. Neighbours have complained about offensive odours from the site.
Where reports differ
- One report notes Zhi was trespassed from Environment Southland in September, while another notes he was trespassed from the Southland District Council on 5 October.
Compiled from reports by Stuff and NZ Herald.
