Elizabeth Zhong’s businesses listed for sale or placed on hold in the past 18 months

By RNZ’s Kate Gregan

An Auckland businesswoman had financial difficulties with all three of her businesses in the 18 months prior to her alleged murder.

Police continue to investigate after finding a body while searching for either Elizabeth Zhong, or Zhong Ying, 55, who disappeared 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 Zhong was a New Zealand citizen and 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.

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 Central Otago, has been bankrupt since Nov. 2 after it was put 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 vineyard manager Cliff Wickman said that 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.

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 action 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 with various people known to Ms. Zhong as we work to piece together the events that led to her death.”

They are asking anyone who may have information to contact 105 or Crimestoppers.

– RNZ