Cautious optimism from those searching for missing real estate agent Yanfei Bao , as the trial date looms

It's been one year since the 44-year-old disappeared - she was last seen working in Christchurch's Hornby.

Tingjun Cao's been charged with her murder, but her body has yet to be found.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves says the trial will go ahead regardless of whether Bao is found.

She says it's still very much an active investigation, with a huge focus on trying to find Yanfei Bao.

Reeves says the Greenpark area is still a focus of the search.