A 52-year-old man initially charged with kidnapping in relation to Yanfei Bao's disappearance will now face an additional charge of murder.
Bao, 44, vanished from the suburb of Hornby in Christchurch on 19 July.
Several days later, a 52-year-old man was arrested at Christchurch Airport and charged with her kidnapping.
He is due to appear in the High Court at Christchurch today.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said police were appealing for information from the public in relation to a tracksuit, top, and spade.
Police want to locate the whereabouts of the tracksuit, pictured. Photo: Supplied / Police
"Police believe the items have been discarded in the Christchurch area some time from approximately midday on Wednesday 19 July, to about 5pm Saturday 22 July.
"The spade is brand new," Reeves said.
"Anyone that saw someone acting in an unusual manner or can assist police in locating the whereabouts of the tracksuit, the top, and spade, is asked to please to contact police.
A new spade was among items police were seeking information on. Photo: Supplied / Police
The police Specialist Search Group will be back in farmland in Greenpark, south of Christchurch, on Tuesday conducting further searches as part of the investigation.
"We remain committed to locating Ms Bao and returning her to her family," Reeves said.
A top was among items being sought by police Photo: Supplied / Police
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