A popular Chinese takeaway outlet in Christchurch has gone into liquidation, with documents revealing it owes over $1 million to creditors.

Hungry Wok Chinese Cuisine Limited, which traded as Hungry Wok at Riccarton Westfield Mall, was placed into liquidation by the Christchurch High Court on 15 May 2025 following an application by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue.

According to the liquidator’s initial report, the restaurant owed Inland Revenue over $324,000 and had total unsecured debts exceeding $1 million.

Employee claims totalled $4,250.40.

The report cited the impacts of COVID-19 and a failure to meet tax obligations as the reasons for the company’s collapse.

The business, which had been operating since July 2016, officially closed its doors in May this year.

Liquidators collected just $291.60 in cash from the premises. Remaining stock, plant, and equipment have been gathered for auction, though no value has yet been realised. The company’s lease was disclaimed, and the landlord received bond money held by the bank.

Company director and shareholder Jie Bao is also recorded as owing $749,055 through his shareholder current account.

A review of bank statements and financial records is underway. The liquidator is also examining any past asset disposals and secured creditor claims.

Preferential creditors include the Inland Revenue Department and several former employees. Secured creditors named in the report include Coca-Cola Amatil, ASB Bank, Trents Wholesale, Bidfood, and Service Foods.