Eddie Zhi – Tuturau slink skin operation

Statement by Chair Jeremy McPhail

Re: Eddie Zhi – Tuturau slink skin operation

I understand the public interest in the prosecution Environment Southland is taking againstMr Zhi in relation to his slink skin operation and the interim enforcement orders obtained against him and his company, NZAgri Development Limited. Mr Zhi’s ongoing and very public protests directed at Environment Southland and some of our staff has gained a lot of media and social media attention in recent times. This behaviour towards our staff is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Environment Southland is committed to ensuring fairness and consistency in how we carry out our regulatory and compliance responsibilities.

However, Mr Zhi’s protestations are a distraction that do not take away from the seriousness of the charges against him and the ongoing environmental damage caused by his activities.