The man accused of murdering Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao has waived his right to attend his trial for now

Tingjun Cao's trial is in its third day.

He's accused of stabbing 44 year old Bao at a property viewing in July 2023, with her body not found for more than a year.

Justice Lisa Preston says Cao's absence is not an admission of guilt.

She's confirmed Cao's stance to the jury, and why procedures are pausing today.

Preston says the law permits a trial to proceed in his absence, but there are logistical elements she wants to sort to ensure a fair trial.