Death of missing women devastates Chinese community in Wellington

Kebai Liu, 76, was found dead in bush on Sunday night. She had been missing since Friday. Picture / NZ Police

The Chinese community in Wellington is devastated by the death of a missing elderly woman, after banding together for the search effort.

Kebai Liu, 76, had been missing since Friday morning, in her second disappearance last week.

Her body was found at 7pm on Sunday night in a bush area of Woodridge.

The first time Liu went missing last week she was found on Oriental Parade by Saidan Ni, who translated between the woman and police officers to help send her home.

Ni said the Chinese community in Wellington was very close and had used Facebook to co-ordinate a search effort across the city.

"We just used Google Maps and divided it into different parts, and gave one part to a different person throughout Wellington.

"We were all concerned about the old lady, because she's lovely. And because people are nice."

More than 100 people helped with the search, with volunteers also alerting parking wardens and train workers to keep an eye out.

Ni wanted to speak out in defence of the woman's family.

She said she'd seen unkind comments about the situation.

"Some people say, 'Why was this old lady lost a second time?'.

"Well it's a long story. The only thing I can share with you is that I've talked to her son many times and her son is so good, her family is so good to this older lady.

"Something happened that they couldn't control."

Ni said the focus was now on trying to support the family through their grief.

"I don't know how to talk about it, it's so sad.

"I just want to say thank you to all the people who helped.

"I hope everyone treasures their relatives, and hugs them every time they see them."

Police have released a statement thanking all the search volunteers for their help.

Liu's death has been referred to the coroner.