A fundraising page has been launched for Yanfei Bao, the Christchurch real estate agent who vanished 10 days ago.
The 44-year-old mother was last seen in the suburb of Wigram where she was believed to be door-knocking as part of her work.
On Wednesday, the police investigation switched from a missing person case to a homicide investigation.
A Givealittle page has been set up by a close friend of Bao to raise money for her family including her husband, her 9-year-old daughter and her parents.
"Yanfei was not only a skilled professional but also a beloved partner to Paul, a cherished daughter, and a loving mother to her young child. As her family, friends, and community, we cannot fathom the pain they are enduring, and we want to offer our assistance during this unimaginably difficult time," the friend wrote.
"Yanfei's parents are travelling to New Zealand for the first time with shattered hearts, seeking answers and closure for their missing daughter.
"The journey comes with immense emotional and financial challenges, as they face the reality of the situation. In this trying moment, they need all the love and financial support we can provide to help them cope with the devastating loss."
Extensive air, land and ground searches for Bao have this week been launched across several suburbs in Christchurch. Officers are combing through over 200 pieces of information from the public into her disappearance.
Bao's car was left parked on Iroquois Pl and her cellphone was found in bushes beside Christchurch's Southern Motorway.
But Bao was nowhere to be found and, a week later, Det Insp Nicola Reeves said she did not believe Bao was alive.
Three properties have been searched as part of the probe labelled 'Operation Helo'.
A 52-year-old man has been arrested and has appeared in court charged with kidnapping. Police have not ruled out further charges.
The search for Bao will continue over the weekend.
