The family of Christchurch woman Yanfei Bao has issued a hearbreaking plea as the search for her body resumes.
Bao, a 44-year-old real estate agent, went missing while out doorknocking on July 19. What was originally a missing persons investigation is now a homicide probe.
However, high water levels in the Halswell River and Lake Ellesmere at the weekend forced the search for her body to be paused.
In an update on Wednesday, police said officers will resume the search on Wednesday now water levels have subsided.
"Police search and rescue and dive squad are involved, along with an aerial search," a police statement said.
Other investigations had continued progressing while the search was paused, the statement said.
More information was received while the search was paused and the public is still being asked to report any sighting of a silver Mitsubishi sedan.
"Staff are dedicated to piecing together the circumstances of the investigation and we remain interested in any information relating to sightings of a silver Mitsubishi sedan with the registration DPH101, particularly on Thursday, July 20."
'Cherish your loved ones'
The family of Bao, in a statement on Wednesday, said they wanted their "beloved wife and mother" found so they could have closure and begin grieving.
"In their time of crisis, the Bao family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to the police for their invaluable support and relentless dedication in the search for their missing loved one, Yanfei," the statement said.
"The family urges anyone with information that could assist the police in locating Yanfei to come forward as soon as possible."
Bao's family encouraged people to "cherish their loved ones and express their feelings openly" the statement said.
"Yanfei's husband Paul Gooch urges people to 'go home tonight and tell all those you hold dear that you love and cherish them.'
"The family of Yanfei Bao wishes to thank each and every person who has shown support during this challenging time."
At the weekend, a Givealittle page for the family was set up by a close friend which had so far raised more than $43,000.
"The love and compassion displayed by fellow New Zealanders has been truly humbling, and the Bao family cannot express how grateful they are for all the generous donations made through Givealittle," the statement said.
"This generosity will help ease the burden on their family during these trying times."
Timeline
Bao, a mother-of-one, recently joined Harcourts as a real estate agent and has extensive experience in sales.
She was last seen on Vickerys Rd in Wigram at about 10:30am on July 19. Her car was left parked on Iroquois Pl.
Police and Bao's family had said her disappearance was very out of character and had deep concerns for her safety.
Officers earlier located one of her cell phones nearly 7km from where she was last seen.
Investigators found it in the grass berm along the Southern Motorway thanks to assistance from the public.
Investigators have searched three properties as part of the probe, dubbed 'Operation Helo'.
A 52-year-old man has previously been arrested and charged with kidnapping Bao. He was arrested at Christchurch Airport trying to flee the country.
Police said the man, who was granted name suppression during his first court appearance, would "likely" face further charges but none have been laid since his arrest.
