KEY POINTS:
The property developer parents of abducted 5-year-old Xin Xin Ma have been living separate lives, about 50km apart, for almost two years.
But the paths of Jin Zhou and Jian Ma came crashing back together soon after midday on Monday when a masked man in a silver car snatched their daughter from outside her mother's home in the affluent suburb of Harrowglen.
Last night, they were together again, reunited with their daughter.
After a torrid week, speculation persists over why the elder daughter of two Chinese immigrants was targeted.
The police were strangely silent on the case, saying any information disclosed could compromise Xin Xin's safety. They were revealing little more yesterday when they announced she had been found.
What is known about the family is that Xin Xin's mother arrived in New Zealand from China 17 years ago.
She was joined for six months a year by her parents, who also stayed in Harrowglen with their other daughter, a few houses away.
The family built the two homes and are building two more in the relatively new suburb near Albany with a high Chinese population.
Little has been said about Xin Xin's father, who was absent from a media conference fronted by her mother and aunt on Tuesday.
A tenant at one of three Te Atatu homes Mr Ma co-owned with his estranged wife described him as a good landlord and "a really nice guy".
Mr Ma's parents live in Australia but arrived earlier this week at his Te Atatu Rd home.
Family there declined attempts by the Herald to speak to them, telling a reporter on Wednesday "you have the wrong house" despite the fact that a 1997 Toyota Prado and a 1995 Toyota Hiace van registered to Mr Ma were parked outside the home. A neighbour, who confirmed the house was Mr Ma's, also said he was "lovely".
She said that sometimes Xin Xin and her younger sister, aged about 3, stayed with him. She said she was shocked to learn one of them had been abducted.
Jin Zhou or Jian Ma - either as individuals or together with trusts - have several business interests listed in the New Zealand companies office and co-own at least three homes.
Whatever their personal disagreements, they shared time with their children - Mr Ma had dropped off Xin Xin after she spent the weekend at his home the night before her disappearance.
They are educating her at what is touted as one of New Zealand's leading independent schools, Albany's Kristin School, where it is hoped she will return after her school holidays.
Principal Peter Clague, who on Tuesday told the Herald the school was "devastated" by the abduction, also reported similar dealings with Xin Xin's parents and grandparents.
"They're lovely people. Lovely."
A lawyer who acted for the couple before they separated said he had known them for about 11 years.
He would not discuss their professional interests but said he got to know them personally.
When it was pointed out to him that Ms Zhou drove a 2008 Porsche Cayenne, he said the couple were actually quite modest.
"They've always seemed to me to be very humble and quiet people. In all their dealings ... wealth was never something they pushed in anyone's faces.
"They have been totally devoted to their children. I think their children have always been number one for them."
