Murder of Christchurch estate agent Yanfei Bao: Trial of accused Chinese national due to start today

Cao was later charged with murder, although it took police more than a year to find her remains at a private farm in the Greenpark area south of Christchurch.

The trial before Judge Lisa Preston is expected to last up to six weeks.

Cao is represented by lawyer Colin Eason and prosecutor Pip Curry will present the Crown case.

Bao’s family previously released a statement thanking family, friends and the general public for “the outpouring of kind words and unwavering support following the disappearance of their beloved wife and mother.”

“The love and compassion shown by other New Zealanders has been truly humbling and the Bao family cannot express how grateful they are for all the generous donations made through Givealittle,” they said.

The family also expressed their “sincere gratitude” to police for their “invaluable support and tireless dedication” in the search for Bao.

After Bao’s remains were found in July this year, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves, who led the extensive police investigation, spoke of her relief that she had finally been found.

“This news concludes a key aspect of our investigation and Yanfei will now be returned to her family,” Reeves said.

Kurt Baier is the South Island news director for the NZ Herald in Christchurch. He is a senior journalist who joined Herald in 2011.