In Southland, New Zealand, a business that processes animal carcasses from farms has faced mounting legal and community challenges over environmental and operational concerns. Da Cheng “Eddie” Zhi, who established the operation about three years ago in the former Newton Slinkskins plant at Tuturau, has sought to revive the slink-skin industry by collecting lamb and calf carcasses and transforming by-products into organic fertiliser. However, his efforts have been met with repeated orders from Environment Southland and multiple charges for operating without proper consent.

The issue centers on the disposal of animals that die shortly after birth, a common agricultural challenge in the region. Zhi’s business model involves recovering the skins for export and processing the remaining carcass material into fertiliser. Despite initial council feedback that appeared supportive, authorities later cited environmental risks from carcasses, skins, and related earthworks at the site. These concerns have led to regulatory actions, including formal trespass notices and a growing number of public complaints.

Zhi, who previously worked in the Australian meat and leather trade and studied leather technology in Sydney, describes himself as an experienced international operator attempting to modernise a struggling industry. He stepped in after Newton Slinkskins reduced its processing capacity and eventually closed the Tuturau plant in 2023. At that point, Zhi relaunched operations under NZAgri Development, employing former Newton staff members. He detailed a significant volume of carcass collection, processing over 160,000 lambs in the first year and close to 182,000 lambs and 33,000 calves the following year.

Despite these efforts, the business struggled with labour disputes and logistical challenges, including a notable backlog when contractors walked off the job for several days. Severe weather further complicated carcass storage and processing. Zhi has acknowledged these difficulties and the operational complexities of the seasonal nature of the slink-skin business.

Neighbors near the Tuturau facility have expressed strong opposition to the ongoing operation due to persistent odours and environmental impacts. Resident Alyce Perkins described the smell as a daily problem that has worsened under the current operator. While supportive of efforts to handle casualty stock responsibly, she emphasised the need for the operation to be conducted in a way that does not harm the local environment or community life.

In response to the controversies, Environment Southland and the Ministry for Primary Industries began investigating the operation last year. Zhi maintains that the business continues to operate and that previous labour disputes have been resolved. However, ongoing council intervention and public criticism highlight the challenging balance between agricultural waste management and environmental protection in Southland’s farming sector.