Full Breakdown
Chinese Chef Sentenced for Manslaughter in Avondale Strangulation Death
8/26/2026, 6:45:50 AM
Manslaughter Conviction and Sentencing
Hao Feng, a Chinese-born former night-shift chef now working as an Uber Eats driver, was found guilty of manslaughter for the death of his partner, paediatric nurse Xiaoyan Wang, at their Avondale home in January 2025. Justice Natalie Walker adopted the Crown’s starting point of seven years’ imprisonment but applied a 15 % total discount—20 % for Feng’s guilty plea and an additional 5 % for the extra burden a prison term would place on a foreign national with limited English. The reductions bring the effective term to roughly six years.
Relationship Background
Wang, 40, was an only child and a respected recovery-room nurse at Starship Hospital, described by colleagues as compassionate and diligent. Friends recalled her love of cooking, travel, gardening and caring for pets. Feng, raised in rural China and educated only to intermediate level, had moved to Japan as a chef before immigrating to New Zealand. He had a 12-year-old daughter from a previous relationship who later turned 14. In the months before the killing, Feng reported financial stress after giving up night-shift work and cited tension over his reduced time with Wang. Court records note that Wang had previously reported being strangled by Feng on two occasions, once leaving her unconscious.
Official Statements & Responses
She also rejected Feng’s self-defence claim, stating there was no evidence of a physical fight. In court, Crown prosecutor Claire Paterson emphasized the “family-violence context” and the breach of trust inherent in the offence. Defense lawyer William Mohammed highlighted Feng’s communication barriers, quoting him:
- “He can’t communicate with anyone around him in any meaningful way,” — William Mohammed – “He can’t communicate with anyone around him in any meaningful way.”
Justice Walker herself recounted the act:
- “He placed his hands around her neck and she went unconscious and fell to the floor.” — Justice Walker – “He placed his hands around her neck and she went unconscious and fell to the floor.”
Data & Statistics
- Victim: Xiaoyan Wang, 40, paediatric nurse.
- Perpetrator: Hao Feng, Chinese citizen, former chef, Uber Eats driver.
- Prior incidents: Two earlier reported strangulations by Feng.
- Sentence: ~6 years after 15 % discount from a 7-year baseline.
- Daughter’s age at time of offence: 12 (later 14).
Community Impact
Flowers were left outside the Avondale residence, and Wang’s mother expressed profound loss, noting she was now alone in New Zealand. Victim-impact statements painted Wang as a kind, gentle figure who “deserved a happy future.”
