Hunt for teen turns to internet

Jiayi Li, also known as Kiko. Photo / Supplied

Police are to investigate postings on local online Chinese forums to find an international student missing for nearly two weeks.

Family and friends are growing increasingly concerned for the safety of Jiayi Li, also known as Kiko.

She was last seen on May 12 on New North Rd, Kingsland, when she dropped off a friend in her red 1998 Toyota Altezza saloon, registration EDB121.

Hewitt Wang, from the local Chinese internet forum skykiwi.com, said the case of the missing teen was one of the most viewed and discussed topics on the site.

Several of the postings were from people who said they knew and recognised Ms Li. A police spokeswoman said officers were looking into the discussions on the ethnic websites.

Skykiwi.com is running a "where is Kiko?" discussion thread, which has received nearly 13,000 hits and nearly 50 responses.

A friend, who did not want to be named, said Ms Li had been talking about starting a business after completing her business studies course next month.

She said Ms Li was private and mostly kept to herself at St George Institute of Learning, where she was a diploma of business student.

Eason Xie, husband of Ms Li's cousin, said Ms Li's parents were planning to come to New Zealand.

Contact police

Have you seen Kiko?
* Report sightings to (09) 820-5701 or 0800-555-111.