Crafar Farms animal abuse trial postponed

Controversy over the sale of the Crafar Farms divided opinion in New Zealand and brought foreign land ownership to the forefront of national debate. Photo / David White

A trial involving five parties linked to the running of Crafar Farms who face hundreds of charges between them of animal abuse has been postponed.

The trial was to start today in the Rotorua District Court but has been put off for at least a week.

The five include farm manager Craig Coote, farm worker Raymond Griffen, Southland dairy management company MilkPride, and company directors Murray Flett and Ross Cottier.

They have been charged with failing to prevent suffering, cruelty and ill treatment of animals.