It’s been a year since the disappearance of Christchurch real estate agent, Yanfei Bao.

The 44-year-old was last seen alive arriving at a property for sale in Hornby’s Trevor Street, where she was set to show a potential buyer through the house.

She was reported missing later that day, after failing to pick up her 9-year-old daughter from school.

A week later, the search had been upgraded to a homicide investigation, and on August 15, it was announced 53-year-old Tingjun Cao had a murder charge to add to his kidnap charge.

However, her body still hasn’t been found.

It’s a fact the remaining investigation team still find challenging.

Operation Helo, had started with about 30 detectives, plus a dive squad and other specialists.

By December many returned to their original work, leaving eight people in the core investigation group.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves – who is leading the investigation – said while they may not have the same volume of people as they did last July, the team are still working on this every day.

Reeves said it’s a poignant anniversary, adding it’s hard for them to know the most unanswered part of this situation is where Bao is.

“This is very much in the fore of our minds, everyday, and I guess that part of the investigation feels undone for us.”

But Reeves said this provides them with the motivation to carry on and to find Yanfei Bao.
She said the trial – set for late October – will proceed whether her body is found or not.

It’s not the first time a high-profile Christchurch murder trial has gone ahead without a body.

Earlier this year David Benbow was jailed for life for murdering childhood friend Michael McGrath.

Coincidentally, police scoured the same stretch of the Halswell River near Greenpark during the search for both Yanfei Bao and Michael McGrath.

Reeves said the Greenpark area remains a key focus in their investigations.

Recent searches saw them return, specifically to MacArtneys Road, Davidsons Road and Hudsons Road.

While the search and trial preparations continue, Reeves said Bao’s family are bearing up remarkably well despite the circumstances.

Bao’s partner, Paul Gooch, said [in a statement] his heart is heavy as he reflected on her vibrant and radiant spirit.

“It has been incredibly challenging for our entire family to cope with the devastating loss of Yanfei; it has changed all our lives irreparably.”

However Gooch said Bao’s daughter has displayed incredible resilience, and is surrounded by people who love her.

“It's truly inspiring to witness her ability to still find reasons to smile and be her authentic self in the midst of such adversity – a testament to her remarkable strength and bravery. Her mother would undoubtedly be deeply proud of her.”

Bao’s family in China have also expressed their grief a year on.

In a statement, they said it’s still difficult to accept the fact she hasn’t been found, and they have felt immense grief and helplessness being so far away.

They’re thanking police for their hard work and dedication.

Mayor Phil Mauger said it's a sad time, and these situations always impact the community.

He confirmed the New Zealand based family recently planted a gingko tree in Avonhead’s Crosbie Park in her memory.

Bao’s murder accused is due to appear in the High Court at Christchurch on August 23rd, before standing trial from October 24th.

Items a part of a public appeal last year – including clothing, handbag contents and a shovel – still haven’t been found.

Police are still appealing for information, and ask the public to contact them via 105 using the reference file number 230720/5911.