Kiko's killer jailed for 16 years

Jiayi Li, known to her friends as Kiko, was found in the boot of her car in Hamilton in June last year. Photo / supplied

The step-mother of a girl murdered while studying in New Zealand has been "washing her face with tears".

Yongxin Li was sentenced at the Auckland High Court today to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 16 years. He was also sentenced to seven years - to be served concurrently - for aggravated robbery.

Yongxin Li had previously pleaded guilty to both charges in March.

Jiayi Li, known to her friends as Kiko, was found in the boot of her car in Hamilton on June 2 last year. She had been stabbed 22 times.

After the murder, Li stole Kiko's eftpos card and was captured on CCTV trying to withdraw money from ATM machines.

When police caught up to him, he had a one-way ticket to China booked.

Kiko's father, Chang Kui Li, had his victim impact statement read to the court today by a crown prosecutor.

"Jiayi Li's mother has been washing her face with tears everyday."

In his statement, he said that he has been unable to concentrate on his business and has shut himself up in his home.

"The loss of my daughter has plunged my life to the bottom."

Crown prosecutor Aaron Perkins told the court that Yongxin Li had planned the murder over days.

He said Li showed "enthusiasm" for the killing and planned the date of the murder.

Li's lawyer David Niven told the court his client was only 18 when the murder took place.

He also said his client had pleaded guilty at an early opportunity and had shown remorse.

Mr Niven said there was no sophistication in the planning of the crime which included watching videos.

"It was planned but it was a foolish exercise."

Justice Whata took Li's age and his early plea into account.

"It is particularly significant as you have not put Kiko's family through the further pain and expense of trial."

He described the murder as having "a high degree of depravity".