A Southland businessman accused of bombarding his neighbour with more than 100 unwanted emails has pleaded not guilty to stalking and harassment charges.
Da Cheng Zhi, also known as Eddie Zhi, appeared at Gore District Court today, where he represented himself.
Zhi, whose slink skin operation at Tuturau has been at the centre of a long-running dispute with authorities and neighbouring residents, denied three charges and elected a jury trial for the stalking and harassment allegation.
The court heard Zhi was accused of sending more than 100 unwanted emails to a neighbour, knowing his behaviour was likely to cause fear or distress.
He also faces an allegation of causing serious emotional distress by posting a digital communication, described in court as a poster, on October 4.
The stalking and harassment charge will proceed to a jury trial, while the remaining two charges will be heard by a judge alone.
Zhi is scheduled to return to court for a case review hearing on December 9.
His company, NZAgri Development, has been embroiled in a prolonged dispute with Environment Southland and Southland District Council over thousands of dead lamb and calf carcasses accumulated at its Tuturau property.
Neighbouring residents have complained about offensive odours from the operation, prompting enforcement action and Environment Court proceedings.
Zhi has also been trespassed from the offices of both Environment Southland and Southland District Council following protests over enforcement action against his business.
The stalking and harassment offence, introduced in May, carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin.