New Zealand Court Jails Sect Leader After Chinese Follower’s Murder

Sun Sep 06 2026 08:31:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Justice seals a 10‑year term for Kaixiao Liu, the charismatic cult figure charged with manslaughter after the death of Shulai Wang, a 70‑year‑old Chinese visitor in Auckland.

The Auckland courtroom in late March sentenced Kaixiao Liu to more than a decade in prison for the murder of 70‑year‑old Shulai Wang, a Chinese woman who travelled to New Zealand to live at a house he called "the Ark." Liu, a former music talent‑show contestant, is accused of kidnapping, manslaughter and orchestrating Wang’s death by dumping her body near the Gulf Harbour marina. His wife and other family members also face prison sentences. The case highlights growing concerns over cult‑like religious groups that manipulate vulnerable followers.

New Zealand Court Jails Sect Leader After Chinese Follower’s Murder

A New Zealand court has sentenced Kaixiao Liu, a charismatic leader who branded his household in Auckland the "Ark," to more than ten years for the manslaughter and kidnapping of 70‑year‑old Shulai Wang.

Wang, who arrived from Hainan in China in August 2023, lived with Liu and other female followers under strict rules and was repeatedly disciplined for failing to obey them. She attempted to escape in March 2024 but was restrained by family members before collapsing and dying the same day.

Investigation revealed that Liu, his wife Lanyue Xiao, and his parents were linked to the crime. Xiao was sentenced to nearly eight years, while Liu’s parents face upcoming convictions for kidnapping and misconduct with human remains.

Witnesses testified that the group treated followers as servants, and Liu was addressed by them as "Lord" or "Master." The court found that Liu’s callous indifference towards Wang led to a "lonely, frightening death."

Liu, who once competed on China's Got Talent and later moved to New Zealand, denied being a cult leader, claiming he merely attracted followers with music. His defense requested leniency, arguing regret and that he did not force subscription to religious rites.

The body of Shulai Wang was discovered wrapped in rice bags near Gulf Harbour marina. A fisher man located the remains after a search, and police traced the rice purchase history back to Liu. Images of the scene show the broken steps of the house, now closed to the public.

Shulai Wang