A shallow grave was discovered along a treeline in the Greenpark area. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Police have found remains in their search for missing Christchurch woman Yanfei Bao.
While searching private farmland in the Greenpark area in Canterbury on Tuesday, a shallow grave was discovered along the treeline.
Police said the remains could not immediately be formally identified and work is now under way to excavate and forensically examine them.
Police say the news has been shared with Yanfei's immediate family, and while long hoped for, still comes as a shock.
File photo. Police searching Hudsons Road in Greeenpark in October 2023. Photo: RNZ/ Nathan McKinnon
Bao has been missing since 19 July last year, and despite extensive searches of Christchurch and surrounding areas over the past 12 months, the 44-year-old's body has never been found.
A 53-year-old Chinese national, Tingjun Cao, has been accused of her kidnapping and murder, with a trial date scheduled for October.
Yanfei Bao. Photo: Supplied
The search on Tuesday involved more than 60 people and was centred around land near the intersection of Hudson Road and Clarks Road.
The farmland has been previously searched, but recent information prompted the investigation team to return.
An RNZ reporter at the scene of the search said they could see more than a dozen police cars and a van.
Police would continue to be visible in the area.