A search is underway at a farm on Davidsons Road in Greenpark. Photo: RNZ / Nathan McKinnon
Police investigating the disappearance of Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao are again searching Greenpark, south of the city.
A man has been charged with kidnapping and murdering Bao, who vanished from the suburb of Hornby on 19 July.
Ten days ago, police made a public appeal for information about a tracksuit, top and spade they believed were discarded in the Christchurch area in the days after she disappeared.
They would not be drawn on the significance on the items.
On Friday, police said Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff were taking part in today's search.
FENZ's involvement was in a support capacity at the request of police, a spokesperson said.
Police activity could be seen at a farm on Davidsons Road in Greenpark.
Photo: Supplied
Bao's disappearance
The 44-year-old mother was last seen on 19 July, prompting a missing persons investigation.
That investigation was upgraded to a homicide inquiry on 26 July after police said they no longer believed she was alive.
Police undertook a forensic examination at a property for sale on Trevor Street in Hornby, the last location she was seen alive.
Searches have also taken place in and around Halswell River and Lake Ellesmere.
Water levels have caused some issues with searches - with police having to wait at times for water levels to recede in order to continue searching.
Items of interest
Police made a public plea on 15 August for a spade and clothing believed to be linked to the murder investigation.
The tracksuit police want to find. Photo: Supplied
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves told Checkpoint investigators were seeking a grey tracksuit, a distinctive patterned sweater and a metre-long Xcel brand spade.
Reeves said they were discarded somewhere in the Christchurch area between midday Wednesday, 19 July, and 5pm Saturday, 22 July.
"Whether it's been discarded on the side of the road or hidden somewhere, and people happen to see it on their travels, then we would like to be contacted about that."
Man charged with Bao's murder
Just days after Bao's disappearance, a 52-year-old man was arrested at Christchurch Airport and charged with her kidnapping.
In the weeks that followed, he was also charged with her murder.
He has plead not guilty to both charges and is remanded in custody.
Judge Kevin Phillips granted interim name suppression until the man's next appearance on 1 September.
However, he said at that point its continuation would need to be argued in front of a High Court judge.
Family releases statement
Earlier this month, Bao's family released a statement, thanking the public for their support.
"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."
It would help ease their burden, the family's statement said.
"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."
Bao's family urged anyone with information that could help with the investigation to come forward as soon as possible.
"Their only desire is to have her returned to them, so they can find closure and begin the grieving process.
"Amid this harrowing experience, the Bao family encourages everyone to cherish their loved ones and express their feelings openly."
Bao's husband, Paul Gooch, said people should go home tonight and tell those they hold dear "that you love and cherish them".
The family said the public's acts of kindness had given them strength as they remained hopeful Bao will be returned to them.
