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An Auckland businesswoman had financial difficulties with her three businesses in the 18 months prior to her alleged murder.
Elizabeth Zhong. Source: Supplied
By Kate Gregan of rnz.co.nz
Police continue to investigate after finding a body while searching for the missing 55-year-old businesswoman Elizabeth Zhong, or Zhong Ying, last week.
Police cars remained outside Zhong’s home on Suzetta Place in Sunnyhills today.
A spokesman for the Chinese embassy said staff had contacted police to confirm that she was a New Zealand citizen and was living with her family in Auckland.
“The case is still under investigation and if necessary we are ready to assist the New Zealand police during the investigation process,” they said.
Flowers placed in Sunnyhills, Auckland for Elizabeth Zhong. Source: 1 NEWS
Records showed that three businesses owned by Zhong had been listed for sale or placed on hold since 2019.
Carrick, a winery and restaurant in downtown Otago, has been bankrupt since Nov. 2 after it went on the market in February last year so that Zhong could “pursue other business interests.”
He claimed to have significant distribution ties with China and other parts of Asia, and in a now-deleted post on the website described Zhong as the key to the company’s success.
“When she’s not tied to her movie interests, Elizabeth ventures south, where her heart really is,” she said.
Today, Carrick’s Vineyard manager Cliff Wickman said staff were “devastated” to learn of Zhong’s death and sorry for his family.
He forwarded all subsequent comments to the receiver, who was unavailable today.
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Acting Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers addressed reporters at a briefing this afternoon. Source: New Zealand Police
Zhong also owned Digipost and Digipost Entertainment Limited, a visual effects and post-production company based in Epsom, Auckland.
The building it operated in was sold in a mortgage sale this year, and neighbors told RNZ it had been vacant since April, with very few visitors.
It has a new owner, but it has not yet been rented, and the Digipost signage has been hidden in a bush outside.
A third company owned by Zhong, Zoomsun Shenyang Limited, has a note in the company register stating that the company must file an annual return.
“This company is now behind in its obligation to file an annual return. If the annual return is not filed immediately, the Registrar will initiate actions to remove the company from the registry,” he said.
Police said an examination of the scene in Sunnyhills might not be completed until the end of the week.
“We continue to speak to various people known to Ms. Zhong as we work to piece together the events that led to her death.”
They are asking anyone with information to contact 105 or Crimestoppers.
