Yanfei Bao was last seen on Wednesday morning, door-knocking in the Wigram area in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / NZ Police
A man, who has been charged with kidnapping, appeared in court this morning following the disappearance of Christchurch woman Yanfei Bao.
Bao, who works for Harcourts Wigram, was last seen on Wednesday morning, door-knocking in the Wigram area.
Police said the investigation was not a homicide inquiry but they were concerned for Bao's safety.
The man appeared in Christchurch District Court this morning and where he was granted name suppression and remanded in custody for three weeks.
Police said they were seeking name suppression and remand in custody because there was an ongoing investigation involving the defendant.
The man was assisted by an interpreter throughout his appearance.
He appeared calm in court and nodded when the charge was read to him by the interpreter.
A friend of Bao, who asked to be just referred to as Jin, said Bao called her on Wednesday morning at about 11am, asking how she could help a client transfer money from China to New Zealand.
Jin said the next day she saw the missing person report.
She said the fact that the man was arrested at the airport makes friends and family very concerned about Bao's safety.
"I'm very concerned...especially as it seems that the suspect was intending to leave New Zealand. That makes us more worried."
Jin said she has known Bao for about five years and describes her as an outgoing and cheerful person.
She hoped the community can provide any leads, no matter big or small, that might be of help.
"Please think carefully," said Jin, "especially people who have surveillance cameras at home. Please check any footage you have thoroughly. You might find something useful."
Police earlier this morning said the man was arrested at the airport.
Police are seeking sightings of a silver Mitsubishi car with the registration DPH101. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Police are seeking sightings of a silver Mitsubishi car with the registration DPH101 from mid-last week until Saturday night.
They were particularly interested in the vehicle's movements last Wednesday in Wigram, Hornby, Tai Tapu, Halswell, Redcliffs, and New Brighton.